Canoeist dies in Idaho riverby KREM.com KTVB.COMPosted on June 24, 2010 at 9:53 AM U POST FALLS, Idaho — Kootenai County Search & Rescue responders pulled the body of a drowning victim out of the Spokane River in Post Falls early Thursday morning. Officials say the man was a Kootenai County resident in his 20s who was out for a canoe ride with his friend early in the morning. The two put their canoe in at Corbin Park around 4:45 a.m. They planned to get out of the river at Pleasant View Road, then go to work. The man who survived told officials they tipped shortly after getting in the water. He was able to get to the river bank, but watched as his friend drifted out of sight. The survivor then had to walk about an hour to get to place he could call for help. The Search & Rescue team began combing the river and a MedStar helicopter hovered above trying to help searchers. The man’s body was found around 7 a.m. Now, officials are working to notify his family before they release his name. Officials tell our crew on the scene the men had life jackets in the boat, but weren’t wearing them when the canoe tipped. Body of Missing Canoeist Found Floating in Spokane River Near Post FallsPosted: Jun 24, 2010 11:06 AM EDT POST FALLS, Idaho – The man who drowned early Thursday morning in the Spokane River near Corbin Park has been identified. 28 year-old Michael Blankartz of Spirit Lake drowned after his canoe flipped early Thursday morning. The second occupant, Danny J. Richison, 29, managed to swim to shore and call authorities. The two occupants of the canoe were Michael W Blankartz, 28 years old of Spirit Lake, ID and Danny J. Richison, 29 years old of Post Falls, ID. Michael W. Blankartz was recovered by the KCSD Dive Team and pronounced deceased at the scene. Danny J. Richison didn’t receive any injuries in the incident. The investigation is still ongoing.