Child dies after attempted water rescue at east Pierce County lake

A 5-year-old boy pulled from Tanwax Lake in East Pierce County died Saturday, despite an attempted water rescue by first responders.

“No crime, just a horrible accident,” said Deputy Carly Cappetto, sheriff’s spokesperson. “Family has all been notified.”

The boy was pulled from the water near the Camp Lakeview resort after being missing for a reported 5 to 10 minutes, Cappetto told The News Tribune.

Emergency medical technicians applied CPR and a defibrillator at the scene, Cappetto said. The child was unresponsive. An ambulance trip followed.

“Detectives with family now, trying to investigate what happened,” Cappetto said.

This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 6:37 PM.