The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently conducted a fish restocking operation in Cascade Mountain lakes using a helicopter, showcasing the agency’s efforts to maintain aquatic ecosystems.
In a tragic incident on July 19, a group of six individuals floated into the dangerous Class V rapids at Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River, leading to the drowning of two people. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the group was using inner tubes tied together when they encountered perilous conditions. Three members managed to escape by jumping from their tubes to reach the shore, while the other three were swept into the main rapids.
The deceased have been identified as Amanda Lloyd, 40, from Rockwall, Texas, and Lindsay Bashan, 33, from Parkland, Florida. A search is ongoing for a third missing person, a male, whose identity remains unknown. The identities of the three survivors have been withheld to respect their privacy.
Search operations resumed actively on July 22, involving divers, aircraft, and K-9 teams. The sheriff’s office announced that side-scanning sonar might be employed for deeper searches if the individual is not found soon. Officials urged the public to keep a safe distance from the Dillon Falls area during these operations.
In light of this incident, local authorities advised river and lake users to be aware of their surroundings, wear life jackets, and avoid drugs and alcohol while recreating in water. Dillon Falls has a history of fatalities, with past incidents highlighting the potential dangers of the area.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
