A New York man tragically lost his life in a kayaking incident at Washington State's Olympic National Park, just days after proposing to his fiancée. Travis Valenti, 37, reportedly pushed his partner to safety before disappearing beneath the surface of Lake Crescent.
The incident unfolded on Friday afternoon when Valenti's kayak began taking on water, forcing him to enter the frigid lake. His fiancée, Marlene, attempted a rescue, but her kayak also capsized. While Marlene managed to swim ashore, Valenti struggled in the cold water and ultimately vanished.
Valenti's family revealed that his final act was to push Marlene toward safety, ensuring her survival. Neither Valenti nor Marlene were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.
Rescue teams, including Log Cabin Resort staff and park rangers, conducted extensive searches but were unable to locate Valenti. The area where he was last seen is reportedly over 400 feet deep. Lake Crescent is known for its cold temperatures, which can quickly impact a person's physical abilities.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety, especially in cold conditions. Authorities recommend always wearing a life jacket and using the buddy system when engaging in water activities.
