OLYMPIA - A fisheries worker for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) died yesterday (Aug. 18) while participating in a steelhead survey on the Wind River. Mark Snepp, 47, apparently died while walking the bank of the river and recording fish data reported by his diving partner, said Pat Frazier, southwest regional fish program manager for WDFW. Team members called 911 and notified the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the cause of Snepp’s death. An autopsy will be conducted within the next few days. "This is a sad day for the department," Frazier said. "Mark joined the department just last year and showed a real dedication to fish and wildlife stewardship."

Very sorry to hear about this, our best wishes to Mark's family, WDFW and Pat Frazier.