Paddle Boarder Who Drowned Near Mercer Island Identified

MERCER ISLAND, WA — The 45-year-old man who drowned Sunday while paddle-boarding near Luther Burbank Park was identified on Tuesday by the King County Medical Examiner.

Peter Lee apparently fell off his paddle board not far from the shore at around 5 p.m. Sunday. He was not wearing a life jacket, and was not a strong swimmer, according to authorities. Lee was underwater for about an hour as rescue crews from Mercer Island, King County, and Renton searched for him.

He was eventually found in about 15 feet of water 30 yards offshore from Luther Burbank Park. Lee's death was accidental and was caused by drowning, the medical examiner's office said.