Paddling News

The kayaker found dead near Lummi Island last week accidentally drowned, the medical examiner in Whatcom County has determined.

The kayaker found dead near Lummi Island last week accidentally drowned, the medical examiner in Whatcom County has determined.

The body of Scott Scarberry, 45, of Kenmore was found floating face up, still tethered to his kayak, about a mile northwest of Point Midgley on Thursday afternoon. He was wearing a life jacket.

The water was extremely cold, and hypothermia is considered a contributing factor in the death, said medical examiner Gary Goldfogel. Scarberry was kayaking alone when the accident happened.

It was not possible to determine how far Scarberry drifted or the exact time he fell into the water. There was no evidence Scarberry had a medical condition that might have contributed to his death, Goldfogel said.

Source: bellinghamherald.com