Suspected drowning victim identified

SANDPOINT — An angler who presumably drowned in the Clark Fork River on Saturday has been identified as Foster “Leland” Fuller, according to Bonner County sheriff’s officials.

Fuller, 62, was fly fishing with friends on a sandbar near the mouth of Twin Creek when he suddenly collapsed into the water while wearing waders. Preliminary reports indicated that a medical event may have caused Fuller to lose consciousness and fall into the river.

After frantically searching for Fuller for 15 minutes, he was found and pulled ashore. His companions spent a half an hour performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but Fuller could not be revived.

A cause of death is pending, according to Bonner County Coroner Kitt Rose. She said the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting the autopsy.

Fuller, according to an obituary, grew up in Louisiana before serving as a “music minister” at several churches in the that state and in Texas. He began working in the elder care industry in Colorado and Washington state.

Fuller was the general manager at The Bridge, an assisted-living facility in Sandpoint, where he was beloved for his enthusiasm, kind heart and musicianship.

Fuller is survived by three daughters.

A memorial service to celebrate Fuller’s life is set for 2 p.m. today at The Bridge.