Willamette River Drowning

Lane Co. SO release - On July 14th at around 4:40pm, LCSO Marine Patrol deputies were notified of a water rescue in the Willamette River. A group of people floating the river hit a snag in the water. Most of the group made it to the riverbank, but one person was missing. Eugene Springfield Fire and Rescue located the missing male face down in the water and quickly transported him to a local area hospital for treatment. Tragically, the man did not survive. The deceased has been identified as 26-year-old Ervan Dominick Lucia of Harrisburg. The investigation revealed Lucia was operating a paddleboard without a lifejacket, and he was tethered to his paddleboard. The Lane County Sheriff's Office reminds everyone to wear a properly fitting lifejacket anytime you are using Lane County waterways. Tethering yourself to equipment is always dangerous. If you are using a tether, it should be able to break away quickly.

North Umpqua River Drowning, Douglas Co.

Douglas Co. SO release - ROSEBURG, Ore. - On Thursday, July 9, 2026, at approximately 12:24 p.m., deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported water rescue at Amacher Park in Winchester. The preliminary investigation determined that 64-year-old Charles Robert Jensen of Roseburg and a friend were kayaking on the North Umpqua River from Amacher Park to Hestness Landing when Jensen's kayak overturned in the first rapid. Jensen went under and briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. Jensen's friend was able to pull Jensen from the water onto nearby rocks and immediately began CPR. It was believed Jensen was submerged for approximately one minute. Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene and continued lifesaving efforts; however, Jensen could not be revived and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office responded and assumed responsibility for the death investigation. Next of kin has been notified and the victim's name is now being released. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its condolences to Mr. Jensen's family and friends. Assisting agencies included Central Douglas Fire & Rescue and Oregon State Police.