THE DALLES, Ore. (KMTR) -- Police have identified the 19-year-old Eugene area man who drowned in the Columbia River, and his body has been recovered.
James Hawkins went missing after swimming in the Columbia River about a half mile west of The Dalles Dam.
Chief Deputy Lane Magill says Hawkins' body was found around 9:30 Monday morning. "We were pretty lucky to find him since it's swift water in that area."
On Sunday August 5th, at approximately 5:30 PM, a 911 call was received regarding a swimmer in distress.
According to witnesses, Hawkins swam from the Oregon side to a small island near the base of The Dalles Bridge.
The Dalles Bridge spans the river from Oregon to Washington and is commonly known as US Highway 197.
While swimming back to the Oregon side, Hawkins was pulled downriver by a strong current. He was last seen approximately 150 yards west of the bridge by his companion.
Hawkins had not been using any type of flotation device.
