On April 7, 2022, at approximately 10:59 a.m. Deputies from the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Forks Detachment were dispatched to the report of a kayaking accident that occurred in the Strait of Juan De Fuca near milepost four along highway 112, Neah Bay.

While Deputies were en route to the scene of the kayaking accident the lone kayaker was airlifted to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles as C.P.R. was being performed by the Coast Guard Helicopter crew. Deputies arrived on the scene a short time later and interviewed a witness who had observed the lone Kayaker struggling in the water outside of his kayak.

An on-duty Neah Bay Police Officer waded out into the water and was able to retrieve the kayak which he used to bring the kayaker to shore. The Neah Bay Police Officer performed C.P.R. on the kayaker until a Coast Helicopter crew arrived on the scene and transported the kayaker to the hospital in Port Angeles.

Hospital Medical staff at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles continued Life Saving efforts but were unable to save the man’s life. The victim of the kayaking accident has been identified as being 69-year-old Arthur James who is a resident of Sequim. There is no evidence of foul play. The Clallam County Coroner has jurisdiction in the case and the medical examiner will attempt to determine the cause of death.

CASE No: 2022-6138