Jostin L. Garcia Montes dies in fatal Burbank drowning
Fatal Burbank drowning death of Jostin L. Garcia Montes
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office has officially confirmed the discovery of the missing kayaker, identified as 20-year-old Jostin L. Garcia Montes from Pasco, WA, near the confluence of the Snake and Columbia River. Garcia Montes was found deceased around 5:25 p.m. Wednesday by the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue team. Detectives and the Coroner were informed by Dive Rescue and are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Garcia Montes was reported missing following a 911 call made Tuesday. In the call, Garcia Montes stated he was drowning. The call reportedly was cut short before it could be completed, suggesting he might have been near the Burbank Slough, which connects to the Columbia River. Upon receiving the call, responding deputies and multiple partner agencies, including the Washington State Fish and Wildlife, Walla Walla Fire District 5, College Place Police, Pasco Police, and the Washington State Patrol, initiated an immediate search operation.
Search efforts throughout Wednesday involved extensive foot patrols, aerial drone teams, and water searches. Authorities recovered a kayak and personal items in the area but had not located Garcia Montes until the evening. Sheriff’s Office officials expressed gratitude to the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue for their critical role in finding Garcia Montes and conveyed condolences to the family during this difficult time. Officials also emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with no current indication of foul play.
