Othello man drowns in Long Lake Friday

LONG LAKE - An Othello man died Friday night after falling into the waters of Long Lake during a fishing trip.

Arturo Valdez, Jr., 31, was reportedly fishing with family members in the northwest area of Long Lake, located north of Othello along the Grant County and Adams County border. At some point, Valdez went into the water and did not resurface, according to the sheriff's office.

Valdez' younger brother was reportedly in the area and heard a splash but could no longer see Valdez in the water. Another fishing group in the immediate area tried to help find Valdez but were unable to do so. Grant County Fire Districts 4 and 5 responded. A sheriff's office diver later reportedly found Valdez in about 32 feet of water just below the area where he fell, according to the sheriff's office.

An autopsy was scheduled for Saturday and the sheriff's office does not believe there is anything criminal in nature in the incident.

"This was a very sad, tragic outcome for the Valdez family, and the civilian and joint responders trying to get to Mr. Valdez in time," Sheriff Tom Jones said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Valdez family for their heartbreaking loss."

Deputies from Grant and Adams counties assisted in the incident.