Moses Lake man dies in boating accident

MOSES LAKE, Wash. -- The Grant County Sheriff's Office says it was "nothing more than a terrible accident" that claimed the life of a Moses Lake man Thursday.

On Friday, Grant County Coroner Craig Morrison identified the victim as Kelly Ellingson, 41, Moses Lake.

Searchers from Columbia Basin Dive Rescue recovered the man's body from the waters of Moses Lake near Blue Heron Park.

Marine deputies say Ellingson and a companion had launched a small motorized boat from the park dock, then tried returning to the dock to retrieve a forgotten item.

Ellingson was operating the boat and accelerated while making a turn, causing both him and his friend to fall into the water around 9:30 a.m. Thursday.

The companion managed to swim to shore, but Ellingson went under and didn’t resurface. Neither Ellingson nor his companion were wearing a life vest.

Sheriff’s Marine Unit boats and vessels operated by citizens searched for Ellingson for several hours. Divers from Columbia Basin Dive Rescue recovered Ellingson’s body around 5:00 p.m.

Deputies don't plan to file any charges in connection with the drowning.