Posted on FlashAlert: July 31st, 2023 8:51 AM
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report of a kayak that had flipped over on the Willamette River on Saturday afternoon at about 4:30pm. A male had been kayaking downstream from the Middle Fork Boat Launch when his kayak struck a log and overturned. A second person had been floating on an inner-tube that was attached to the kayak by rope. After striking the log, the kayak became entangled in the log and the male riding in it did not resurface. The person riding on the inner-tube was able to find their way to shore.
Lane County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol and Search and Rescue responded to the area and were able to locate the involved male underwater. They pulled him from underwater and brought him to shore but he was unable to be revived.
The victim in this case was not wearing a life jacket. A life jacket was found attached to his kayak.
The victim’s identity is being withheld at this time.
George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.
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