Rescuers search for missing Eugene man after canoe capsizes in Willamette River
Published: May. 09, 2022, 5:38 p.m.
By Kristine de Leon | The Oregonian/OregonLive
Authorities in Eugene were searching for a missing 36-year-old man who hasn’t been seen since he overturned his canoe Saturday afternoon on the Willamette River. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Justin Leroy Grossman of Eugene.
Rescuers from Eugene Springfield Fire and the sheriff’s office began the search about 3:30 p.m. Saturday after a caller reported witnessing the canoe capsize near the Owosso footbridge over the River. The witness reported seeing Grossman struggling in the water before slipping under the surface.
Sheriff’s officials said Grossman appeared to be camping on an island in the river and using the canoe to travel to and from the island. Searchers continued Monday to search for Grossman. They asked anyone with to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4150, extension 1.
--Kristine de Leon, kdeleon@oregonian.com, 503-221-8506
Brad Bassi via FB: Hi Charlie. This is where I live now. It is moving water. Willamette through Eugene is quick water with a handful of class I and II rapid. Whitewater boaters occasionally use one or two spots but it’s more often floated by fishermen in drift boats or tubes at low water in the summer. Unusually high water for May when this happened. 20,000 cfs when this happened. Typically probably 3,000-5,000 this time of year. Water is cruising at this flow and there would be a spot in here with a few very large waves. Strainers below Owosso Bridge which is referenced. Guessing lack of experience combined with very high cold water. There is a gauge there at the bridge. Water temp on sat about 50 with air temp similar or lower.
John Ditmars via FBAlso to note here is the fact that this section of water, often called "The Town Run," often sees very inexperienced floaters in tubes as well as the now-popular SUPs. Majority of these people do not have PFDs nor other gear necessary for if things go wrong. The past few years have seen some drowning deaths due to entrapments of sorts. There are pieces of rebar, bikes, and tree limbs stuck against rocks, just under the surface. What's most disturbing about this setup is the fact that folks have been rallying for years to create a whitewater park under the I-5 bridge section, where there is currently a wave (or two) to surf for those that enjoy it. It's the perfect place to build one, with established trails on each side of the river, with runners, bikers, and the like. The towns of Eugene and Springfield essentially split the river and the costs of changes to the river. They've been battling over $$ going in vs $$ coming out and that's why we're at a standstill, I believe. They also claim that some of the obstacles in the river, which are in fact hazards, are historical and thus should be left as is, which in my opinion, is a lame excuse for not taking action towards not only cleaning up a dangerous section of water that is heavily used, but also for not wanting to go through with the plans of creating this course. Creation of this course would enable proper education on safety for those who choose to float it, but also would allow for the setting up of a slalom course, which the local University of Oregon could greatly benefit from!
