This is a press release courtesy of the Sherman County Sheriff's Office

On May 7, 2008 at 2:31 p.m., the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office received a call for assistance for a 51-year-old man who was windsurfing on the Columbia River. 

The man became exhausted and stranded on a sandbar just east of Rufus and unable to get to shore.  Friends accompanying the man, who were medical personnel, called for assistance, which activated the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue vessel. 

Sheriff Brad Lohrey said "Under extremely hazardous conditions, with winds from 50 to 60 miles per hour, and unsafe water conditions, Deputy Cliff Jett and OSP Trooper Travis Ring, without regard to personal safety, launched the vessel and responded to the scene."

Meanwhile, the friends of the victim advised the Sheriff’s Office that the man had quit breathing and that CPR had been initiated.  Upon arrival at the scene it was learned that the man had died.  The victim was identified as Mark Estes, age 51, from The Dalles, Oregon.