A 35-year-old man and his 7-year-old son have died after their boat overturned in a river in Washington state.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded shortly after 12 p.m. local time on Oct. 30 to a call about a capsized boat in the Bogachiel River. The distress call came from another passenger who survived by clinging to a tree and told authorities that two adults and a child were still in the water.
Rescue teams located 35-year-old Christian Akers of Sequim and his 7-year-old son Wyatt, but despite extensive life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead. A third passenger, Alphonso Graham, 39, of Port Orchard, remains missing. Authorities say the search for him is ongoing.
“The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the friends and family affected by this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.
On Nov. 3, the sheriff’s office shared an update that the Akers family dog — initially thought to have been lost in the accident — was found by a Forks resident and safely returned home. The search for Graham, however, was suspended due to high water levels and poor visibility. Officials said they plan to resume efforts when conditions improve.
“He’s just an amazing guy — he’s worth more effort than has been put into this search,” said Graham’s brother, Axel Graham, in comments to ABC affiliate KOMO. “There’s been no found body, no confirmation of mortality or anything like that. He’s just someone who’s worth it in every sense of the word.”
An obituary for Christian described him as a graduate of Georgia Southern University and a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a nuclear electronics technician. “Fishing was his lifelong passion, matched only by his love for the outdoors and for Georgia Bulldogs football,” it read.
“Christian loved his family deeply,” the tribute continued. “He is survived by his devoted wife, Daylee Joers Akers, and found great joy in sharing his love of the outdoors with his sons, Wyatt and Aiden, who shared his curiosity, courage, and bright spirit.”
Wyatt was remembered for his “big heart, quick smile and friendly enthusiasm,” as well as his love for Pokémon, Legos, and soccer. “He especially loved spending time with his brother, Aiden, and their adventures together will remain treasured memories to all who love them,” the obituary said.
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Christian’s surviving wife and son. As of Nov. 6, the fundraiser had raised more than $35,000.
A celebration of life for the father and son is scheduled for Dec. 6 on St. Simons Island, Georgia, according to the obituary.
