PORT ANGELES — A man who died of drowning at Lake Crescent over the weekend has been identified as 25-year-old Jinhyun Kim.
Mark Nichols, Clallam County prosecuting attorney and coroner, said Kim’s parents in South Korea were notified.
First Sgt. Dustin Springer said in an email that Kim was a soldier based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and that he was originally from South Korea.
“He was an amazing young man and soldier that was so full of life and enthusiasm,” Springer said. “SPC Kim was the kid that would put a smile on your face through his goofy actions or his jokes [and] definitely would lighten the mood in a room.”
Kim was adventurous and enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest on his weekends and holidays, Springer said.
“His untimely death has definitely rocked our organization,” Springer said. “He had a tremendous impact on those that served alongside him. The lack of his presence is definitely felt by all.”
Kim was rescued from the waters of Lake Crescent near Fairholme late Saturday afternoon. Officials said he had been pulled out of the water before responders arrived.
Responders provided CPR as he was transported to Olympic Medical Center, but he did not survive.
Clallam County Fire District 2, Olympic National Park, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office, the Port Angeles Fire Department and Clallam County Fire District 1 responded.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.
