UPDATE: Officials identify Tri-Cities man who died at popular Finley swimming area

A 51-year-old Kennewick man drowned Thursday evening at Two Rivers Park in Finley.

Phillip E. Boling was swimming back to shore at the popular Columbia River park when he appeared to have a medical issue that caused him to go under, according to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.

Others at the park east of Kennewick saw him disappear and rushed to his aid.

They pulled him from the lagoon and tried to revive him with CPR but he did not survive. The accident happened about 4:45 p.m.

At least one of his rescuers suffered heat exhaustion and had to be taken to a hospital.

Deputy Benton County Coroner Nicole Lee said the man’s roommate was still trying to reach his family about the accident

Benton County sheriff’s deputies responded, along with Columbia Basin Dive Rescue and Benton County Fire District 1 crews.

Officials warned swimmers earlier this week to be cautious of the strong Columbia River currents while trying to stay cool during this week’s hot temperatures. Friday’s high is expected to be in the triple digits.

Last Friday, a 12-year-old girl was rescued by a paddle-boarder when she slipped underwater after jumping off the docks at Howard Amon Park in Richland without a life vest.

This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 8:56 PM.