Man who fell into tidal muck rescued

Published 10:22 am Monday, June 10, 2024

RAYMOND — Responders rushed to rescue a man who found himself stuck in the Willapa River mudflats off of the Willapa Hills Trail along State Route 6. The incident unfolded at 10:05 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.

The Raymond Police Department was first on the scene and discovered the man stuck in mud next to the pedestrian footbridge along the trail in the section between Bloodhardt Road and Bird Avenue.

The Raymond Fire Department and Pacific County Fire District No. 3 also rushed to the scene with apparatus and equipment to help the man climb out of the muck.

“The subject was a participant in a 5K race on the trail and had stopped to take a drink of water and as he did so, slipped off the edge,” RPD Chief Pat Matlock said. “[Officers Jayden Madrid and Michael Oropoza-Ramirez] were the first responders to arrive on scene.”

“Officer Madrid jumped into the mud to assist the man and Officer Oropoza-Ramirez remained on the trail to help quiver in other first responders. A ladder was eventually lowered to the man and Officer Madrid.”

Firefighters were able to help both men out within minutes of the 911 call and the man escaped without any injuries.

“Our officers did an excellent job responding swiftly and effectively,” Matlock said. “I am glad the outcome was positive for all involved. One of our mottos is ‘community first’ and [Officers Madrid and Oropoza-Ramirez] showed that today.”