1 Dead, 2 Missing After Group Swept Over Oregon Waterfall
1 day ago
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One person died and two others remain missing after a group was swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon, on Saturday afternoon, according to local authorities.
Newsweek reached out to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) via online form on Sunday for comment.
The Context
This tragedy highlights the ongoing dangers posed by Oregon’s powerful waterways, particularly during peak outdoor recreation season. Dillon Falls is a well-known destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, featuring dramatic geological formations that attract thousands of visitors annually. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of river conditions and the importance of water safety awareness in recreational areas.
The Deschutes River system, known for its strong currents and challenging terrain, has been the site of previous water-related emergencies, making this latest incident part of a broader pattern of risks associated with the region’s natural attractions.
What To Know
Three individuals were successfully rescued from the water and transported to a local hospital, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. Search and rescue operations continued through Saturday evening and resumed Sunday morning as authorities work to locate the missing persons.
The incident occurred approximately 10 miles from Bend at the popular waterfall site within Deschutes National Forest. Emergency responders confirmed one fatality at the scene, while the condition of the three hospitalized individuals has not been disclosed.
The waterfall sits within the Deschutes National Forest, a federally managed area that encompasses numerous recreational sites throughout central Oregon. The location’s remote setting can complicate emergency response efforts, though the proximity to Bend allows for relatively quick access to medical facilities.
DCSO has not yet released details about how the group ended up in the water or the identities of those involved. The circumstances leading to the incident remain under investigation as authorities focus their immediate efforts on the search and rescue operation.
What People Are Saying
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released this statement on Sunday: “A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday afternoon. At approximately 2:57 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a report of the incident, prompting an immediate response from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR). The Bend Police Department provided drone support, and AirLink assisted with the aerial search.”
The office continued: “Three individuals were rescued from the river and transported to St. Charles-Bend by ambulance. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene. Two others remain missing. DCSO Search & Rescue and Bend Fire & Rescue crews continued recovery efforts into the evening and will work until sunset. If unsuccessful, operations will pause overnight and resume in the morning.”
Concluding: “The names of the victims and survivors are not being released at this time to allow for proper family notification. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday July 20, 2025. A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday July 20, 2025. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
What Happens Next
Search and rescue teams will continue operations until the two missing individuals are located. DCSO is expected to release additional information as it becomes available, including details about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the identities of those involved.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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