An 8-year-old boy who vanished at Steel Lake Park in Federal Way has died after crews recovered his body from the water, authorities said. The King County Medical Examiner has ruled the death an accident, and the Federal Way Police Department is leading an active investigation.
What began as a search-and-rescue effort on the evening of July 7 quickly shifted to a recovery operation after the child disappeared from view. Witnesses told responders he had taken off his shoes before wading into the lake. Dive teams with the King County Sheriff’s Office recovered the boy’s body Wednesday morning, and South King Fire said rescue swimmers and divers had searched for an “extended time” before he was found, according to KIRO 7.
FOX 13 Seattle reported the child was first reported missing on Tuesday and that the King County Medical Examiner confirmed drowning as the cause of death and listed the manner as accidental. Federal Way police have not released additional details about what led up to the drowning and say their investigation remains open.
Where It Happened
Steel Lake Park is a roughly 52-acre city park that features a designated beach area, a boat launch, a concession building and walking trails that typically draw families in warm weather. The City of Federal Way’s parks listing outlines those amenities along with general park rules and hours, according to the City of Federal Way.
Past Incidents And Safety
Steel Lake has been the site of other serious water emergencies in recent years, including a 2020 incident in which rescue swimmers pulled a man from the bottom of the lake. Local coverage has noted posted signs warning that no lifeguard is on duty, and first responders have repeatedly urged people to use extra caution around open water, per the Federal Way Mirror.
What Officials Are Asking
Federal Way police are asking anyone who may have information or video related to the incident to contact non-emergency dispatch at 253-835-2121. Media and business inquiries can be directed to the department’s business line. Contact details and procedures for submitting tips are available on the department’s website, and officials say they will release further information when they are able to do so, according to the Federal Way Police Department.
