Fisherman drowns in Waitts Lake mishap

April 29, 2012

(Updated May 2)
Stevens and Spokane County water rescue crews have found the body of the 48-year-old who drowned Saturday morning in Waitts Lake while fishing.
According to witnesses, Frederick Barker apparently lost the grip on his fishing pole while trying to reel in a catch. Barker, who was not wearing a life jacket, jumped into the water to retrieve the pole but apparently was quickly overcome the water’s frigid temperatures.
Other people in his boat, including his wife, threw him life jackets but he was unable to retrieve one of them before going under.