Newport man drowns at Davis Lake
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 1 month AGO
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | July 16, 2025 1:00 AM
NEWPORT — A Pend Oreille County man drowned Monday after he fell into Davis Lake while fishing near the rocky water edge of the lake, according to the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office.
Pend Oreille County officials said David W. Harvey, 61, of Newport, was fishing near the lake’s edge when he fell in. A female friend attempted to help Harvey out of the water but was unsuccessful. The woman then went to the car to call 911 at about 1:45 a.m. but when she returned the man was missing.
Sheriff patrol deputies responded and attempted to locate the male without success, the sheriff’s office said in a press release. Pend Oreille County Fire District 4 and Sheriff’s Office Marine units responded with rescue boats locating a body with sonar equipment. Spokane County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded and recovered a male body in 13 feet of water off a rock cliff.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to investigate the deceased male to determine the cause of death.
Harvey was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Further investigation will be continued by the medical examiner’s office, sheriff's office officials said.
Harvey's death was the second drowning in Pend Oreille County in the past weekend, POCSO investigators said. In the first incident, Webster Kneass III, 64, drowned after falling into Horseshoe Lake in southern Pend Oreille County at about 3:45 p.m. Saturday.
Pend Oreille County officials urged those recreating the region’s waterway to exercise caution and to remember to wear life vests.
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