Longtime St Helens City Administrator John Walsh is presumed dead after he fell into the Columbia River Saturday night.
Walsh reportedly slipped and fell into the river while moving from a boat to the St. Helens City Docks. He was swept downriver and not seen to resurface.
Search and rescue efforts were ongoing Sunday.
The St. Helens City Council held an emergency meeting Sunday afternoon to appoint an interim city administrator.
In a statement posted to social media, Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said Walsh dedicated years of service to local government and worked tirelessly on behalf of the citizens he served.
“His commitment to public service and his impact on the community will not be forgotten,” Cole wrote.
Walsh worked in city governments across the Northwest. He was hired as city administrator for St. Helens in June 2012.