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Eugene kayaker dies after boat capsizes on McKenzie River
Aug. 20, 2025
LANE COUNTY, Ore. —
A Eugene kayaker who was hospitalized with serious injuries after his boat capsized on the McKenzie River near Dearborn Island Road west of Blue River has died.
According to the Lane County Sheriff's Office (LCSO), reports of a capsized kayak near Deerborn Island Road came in around 4:00 p.m. Tuesday. The kayaker was identified as 66-year-old Gregory Dale Gipson.
Callers reported that two people were in the water. Fire personnel arrived first and quickly rescued the two people, who were both wearing life jackets. Gipson was taken to a local hospital, where he later died, according to LCSO officials.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, a McKenzie District deputy, and McKenzie Fire personnel responded the scene. LCSO says fire personnel were the first to arrive and were able to quickly rescue both people from the water. 66-year-old Gregory Dale Gipson was transported to an area hospital, where he later died.
