On Saturday afternoon, a group of six individuals encountered peril at Dillon Falls, located along the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the swift current claimed one life immediately, while two are still unaccounted for. Three members of the party were successfully rescued and subsequently transported to the hospital for treatment.
Emergency responders utilized drones to aid in the search near the popular tourist destination, known for its 15-foot drop and turbulent rapids akin to a "step ladder." The search efforts were suspended overnight and are anticipated to continue on Sunday morning.
Dillon Falls forms part of the Deschutes National Forest, a region renowned for outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, and floating on inner tubes during the summer months. The river is also celebrated for its rich biodiversity, including trout and salmon fisheries, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
Local fire and police units responded promptly to the emergency calls received around 3:00 PM PDT (21:00 BST). Officials have yet to disclose the identities of the victims to allow for family notifications before public announcements.
