FlashAlert
On May 16, 2023, the Sweet Home Fire District was dispatched to a water rescue on the Calapooia River. The call came in at 3:22 pm and it was reported that a 58-year-old male, who was walking the river with his dogs was missing. The wife reportedly witnessed the male fall into the river and float around a bend. When the husband’s dog returned without him, the wife drove down the road to get cell service and initiated the 911 call. Sweet Home Fire District personnel were able to access the river at the location the male was last seen. Initial responding fire crews were able to walk the river to conduct a search, while the rescue swimmers were preparing to make entry into the water. The initial crews located the male in the water, face down and unresponsive. Crews quickly extricated him from the water and initiated advanced life support and resuscitative efforts. Unfortunately, those efforts were not successful, and the male was pronounced dead on scene. There was no indication that any intoxicants were a factor in this unfortunate scenario.
The Sweet Home Fire District would like to remind people that our local waters are still very cold and there is still a large seasonal flow in our rivers and streams. Please use caution around all water ways, lakes, and rivers. Always wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when recreating in or around water. There are life jackets at the Sweet Home Fire District’s main station available for loan, while you enjoy our local water ways.
For more information contact:
Nick Tyler, Fire Chief
541-367-5882
ntyler@sweethomefire.org
If photo is available it can be found here
Sweet Home Fire District responds to a water rescue on the Calapooia River
