Body Of Drowned JBLM Soldier Recovered At Mount Rainier Natl Park

LAKEWOOD, WA — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department has recovered the body of a JBLM soldier who drowned at Mount Rainier National Park over the weekend.

According to the National Park Service, 23-year-old Antonio Scott had been swimming in an unnamed lake in the park with several friends when he began to struggle and went under water. Scott was a specialist stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

After he was pulled under the surface, his friends quickly tried to pull him from the water, but could not, and called for help. A nearby ranger stationed at the White River Campground responded, and the park service says they put together a hasty team in an attempt to quickly rescue Scott. However, he didn't turn up Saturday, and on Sunday the Pierce County Sherriff's Department Dive Team and the Mountain Rescue Association were both called in to sweep the area for any further signs of Scott.

That search continued until around noon Monday, when Scott's body was found.

“We send our deepest condolences to Specialist Scott’s family, friends, and military colleagues” said Tracy Swartout, Deputy Superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park. “We also appreciate the many searchers who contributed to locating him.”