Monday, December 15, 2025
37.0°F

Man dies in possible drowning

Mary Malone Staff Writer | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 years, 5 months AGO
by Mary Malone Staff Writer
| July 7, 2017 1:00 AM

SANDPOINT — A 60-year-old man died Monday after attempts by civilians and emergency personnel to save his life were unsuccessful.

According to the Bonner County Sheriff's Office, Brian A. Flewelling and his wife were swimming in Lake Pend Oreille to cool off when their boat drifted a bit in the wind. He became fatigued as he swam and couldn't make it to the boat or to the shore.

"The patient had been taken out of the water and put on the back of a pontoon boat," said Selkirk Fire, Rescue and EMS Capt. Britain Whitley. "There were some people on scene, some bystanders, who were doing CPR and an AED had been given to them just prior to our arrival by a marine deputy."

Selkirk crews responded to the incident and took over the life-saving efforts. The incident was reported off of Eureka Road in the Bottle Bay area. 

Whitley said it was reported about 100 feet offshore when the call came through, so Selkirk's Station 1 crew from Sandpoint responded in the district's fireboat. Selkirk's Station 3 crew from Sagle responded as well, but the boat made it to the scene faster due to the location. 

After the fireboat crew arrived, Whitley said they moved Flewelling to a private dock and continued CPR for 35 to 40 minutes before he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mary Malone can be reached by email at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @MaryDailyBee.

ARTICLES BY MARY MALONE STAFF WRITER

Shotgun and drugs lead to arrests
October 6, 2016 1 a.m.

Shotgun and drugs lead to arrests

BONNERS FERRY — Two individuals were arrested after a shotgun and drugs were found following an alleged incident at Bonners Ferry High School.

Drones take off at Priest River Elementary
January 1, 2020 midnight

Drones take off at Priest River Elementary

PRIEST RIVER­ — Wearing their flight crew colors, the fifth-grade students walked side by side across the gymnasium to ensure the flight deck was clear of debris.

Mentoring foster kids & the art of fly fishing
August 6, 2019 1 a.m.

Mentoring foster kids & the art of fly fishing

SANDPOINT — Giving foster kids the opportunity to get out into nature and learn the art of fly fishing is a powerful therapeutic tool, allowing the youngsters to leave behind some of the stress while also building their confidence and self-esteem.