Tragic Waterfall Accident in Oregon Claims Three Lives
A North Texas woman was one of three people killed in a waterfall accident in Oregon over the weekend, authorities said. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday identified two victims as Amanda Lloyd, 40, of Rockwall and Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Fla. Search operations continued for a third person who remains missing.
The Accident
The accident happened Saturday afternoon when a group was swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River, about 10 miles from the city of Bend. Authorities describe it as a dangerous section of the river, featuring 15-foot falls and whitewater rapids obstructed by rocks, logs and other debris.
The six people were floating on inner tubes tied together, the sheriff’s office said. The three people who survived jumped from their inner tubes and made it to shore, while the other three were swept into the rapids.
Search and Rescue Efforts
One person died at the scene while a second body was found Monday. Teams were searching for the one person still missing on Tuesday, authorities said. A diver was surveying the area from a plane, while a separate aircraft assisted with specialized search cameras. Search dogs were also at the scene.
The sheriff’s office praised those involved in search operations during the “difficult and emotional incident.”
“They have led a coordinated and effective mission under very challenging conditions, and their work has already helped bring answers and closure to two grieving families,” spokesperson Jason Carr said in a statement.
Warning Signs and River Safety
Carr has previously said that the missing were presumed dead due to the unlikelihood of surviving the falls. People recreating on that area of the river normally exit at the Dillon Falls day use area, as the waterfall is just around the bend, Carr said. Signs along the river warn of the hazardous waterfall ahead.
In this photo taken March 28, 2016, a rainbow arcs up from the rushing waters of Dillon Falls as the early morning sunlight shines on the Deschutes River near Bend, Ore. (Andy Tullis / AP)
Injuries and Survivors
The three people rescued had minor wounds such as scrapes and bruises and were able to exit the rescue boat on their own and walk. They were transported to a hospital to ensure they had no other injuries, Carr said.
The names of the three survivors are being withheld to respect their privacy, the sheriff’s office said.
Popular Water Activities in the Area
The Deschutes River, which runs through Bend, is popular during the summer for water activities, including rafting, inner tube floating, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Conclusion
The tragic waterfall accident in Oregon serves as a reminder of the importance of river safety and the need for caution when engaging in water activities. The incident has left two families grieving and a community in shock. As the search for the missing person continues, authorities urge everyone to exercise caution and respect the power of nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the waterfall accident in Oregon?
A: A group of six people were swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River, resulting in the deaths of three people and the injury of three others.
Q: Who were the victims of the accident?
A: The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office identified two victims as Amanda Lloyd, 40, of Rockwall and Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Fla. The third victim has not been named.
Q: What were the search and rescue efforts like?
A: Teams searched for the missing person using a diver, a plane with specialized search cameras, and search dogs. The sheriff’s office praised the efforts of those involved in the search operation.
Q: What can be done to prevent similar accidents in the future?
A: Authorities urge everyone to exercise caution and respect the power of nature when engaging in water activities. Signs along the river warn of the hazardous waterfall ahead, and people recreating on that area of the river normally exit at the Dillon Falls day use area.
