DALLES, Ore. -- A Dalles man died on a windsurfing expedition on the Columbia River Wednesday.

According to Sherman County sheriff’s, 51-year-old Mark Estes was windsurfing upriver with friends when he got stranded on a sandbar. Friends said he was unable to get back to shore then quit breathing. The friends, who were certified medics called for help and started CPR.

Also: Three fishermen feared drowned in Columbia River

Two deputies launched their boat in 50-60 mile-an-hour winds and hazardous water conditions but were too late.

KGW photo

Columbia River Gorge

Sheriff Brad Lohey said the deputies braved the conditions “without regard to their own safety” to try and save Estes.