ROSEBURG, Ore. — A kayaking trip on the North Umpqua River ended in tragedy last Thursday, July 9, when a 64-year-old Roseburg man died after his kayak overturned near Amacher Park in Winchester, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, which released information on the incident on Thursday, July 16.
The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to a reported water rescue at about 12:24 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at Amacher Park. Investigators determined Charles Robert Jensen and a friend were kayaking from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen’s kayak overturned in the first rapid.
Jensen went under the water and briefly resurfaced before going back underwater, the sheriff’s office said. His friend pulled him from the water onto nearby rocks and immediately began CPR. Authorities said it was believed Jensen was submerged for about one minute.
Fire and EMS personnel continued lifesaving efforts at the scene, but Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and assumed responsibility for the death investigation. The sheriff’s office said next of kin has been notified.