Tri-Cities fitness club manager dies in swimming accident

A Tri-Cities fitness club manager was identified Tuesday night as the victim of a weekend drowning near FishHook Park on the Snake River.

Jason L. Robinson, 39, was boating with friends near the park Saturday when his hat fell into the water and he jumped in after it, according to the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office.

He struggled with gusting winds and waves in the river and couldn’t get back to the boat, investigators said.

Initial searches by Columbia Basin Dive Rescue and sheriff’s deputies were unsuccessful and were called off after sundown Saturday.

Robinson’s disappearance was met with an outpouring of support from people across social media.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved,” the sheriff’s office said.

His LinkedIn profile shows he was a long-time regional manager for Gold’s Gym. In January, Robinson was named the chief operating officer for Club 24 fitness centers.

He was married and a Air Force veteran, according to a friend and his Facebook profile.

Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, state Fish and Wildlife, and the Pasco Fire Department helped the sheriff’s office with the initial search, which was hampered by wind and water conditions.

Officials said they don’t know when his body will be recovered.

This story was originally published August 14, 2018 at 9:30 AM.