Rafter pronounced dead after raft overturned in McKenzie River
by News Staff
September 12th 2022
BLUE RIVER, Ore. — Sunday morning, September 11, at approximately 8:18 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff's Office received information that a raft had overturned in the McKenzie River near Paradise Campground.
While LCSO was enroute, deputies learned that one of the three involved rafters was unconscious and CPR had been performed by bystanders and paramedics. Officials say paramedics advised at 9:14 a.m. that the male had died.
According to LCSO, deputies arrived on scene and began investigating the circumstances of the death. The Lane County Sheriff's Offices says the initial investigation revealed that the men's raft capsized and the involved male had gone underwater for some period of time before being pulled to shore by bystanders.
Rafter drowned near Paradise Campground
MCKENZIE BRIDGE: On Sunday, at approximately 8:18 am, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report that a raft had overturned in the McKenzie River near Paradise Campground. Paradise campground is located just upriver from McKenzie Bridge.
While en route, deputies learned that one of the three involved rafters was unconscious and CPR had been performed by bystanders and paramedics. At 9:14 a.m, paramedics at the scene advised the involved male had died.
Lane County Sheriff’s Sergeant Tom Speldrich said deputies arrived on the scene and began investigating the circumstances of the death. The initial investigation revealed that the men’s raft capsized and the involved male had gone underwater for some period of time before being pulled to shore by bystanders.
All three men had lifejackets in the boat, however, none were wearing them at the time of the accident.
Police said the name of the deceased is being withheld at this time.
