Authorities identify man who drowned in Snohomish River

SNOHOMISH COUNTY -- A helicopter crew spotted a man's body in the Snohomish River around noon Sunday. Deputies said the 21-year-old disappeared after his canoe overturned.

Witnesses told officials that four or five young people were having a "drinking party" on a sand bar in an area of the river called Thomas Eddy.

Deputies said the group was using a canoe to get to the sand bar. It capsized with three people on board around 12:30 a.m. in a fast-moving part of the river.

Two people made it out safely. Officials said a man who saw the victim went into the river to search for his friend but did not find him.

Snohomish County officials identified the man as Derek M. Harrison of Kenmore Wednesday afternoon.

Witnesses told deputies nobody in the group was wearing a life jacket.

Harrison's loved ones  have set up a memorial page to help the family cover funeral costs.