Seattle police officer dies after fall into water

A Seattle police officer who fell into the ship canal was pronounced dead this afternoon at Harborview Medical Center.

Jack Lone, an 18-year-veteran assigned to the Seattle Police Harbor Patrol, was on shore this morning, working with a partner trying to tie up a tug boat that had become loose and was drifting, according to police. At some point, the partner, who was on the tug, noticed that Lone had fallen in.

The partner called for help, quickly suited up and then dove into the water, eventually finding Lone submerged in about six feet of water. He had been without air for 8-10 minutes, according to police.

Lone was taken to Harborview, where he was pronounced dead at 1:06 p.m.

Lone was the first Harbor Patrol officer to die in the line of duty since the unit was founded in the early 1900s, police said. He had been assigned to the unit for five years.

Lone was married and had an 18-month-old son.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels ordered all flags on public building at half staff in honor of Lone.