An Albany man died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported. Romail Dontail Allen, 51, was reported in the water at about 11:50 a.m. near river mile 133, according to BCSO. A witness attempted to rescue Allen and reported at about 11:59 a.m. that he appeared to be deceased. Another witness said Allen was not wearing a life jacket.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were on duty at the time but were operating downriver near the Polk County line when the call came in, the Sheriff’s Office said. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.

Corvallis Fire crews recovered Allen from the river at about 12:22 p.m. upriver from Michael’s Landing. Personnel began resuscitation efforts immediately and continued them while transporting Allen to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about the drowning to contact Deputy Brigg Savage at