28-year-old Portland man drowns in John Day River

According to the Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, a 28-year-old Portland man drowned on the John Day River on Saturday.

According to the sheriff’s office, the guy, who has not been officially recognized, was washed away from the river bank by a swift current while fishing with his family.

Finding the man near Cottonwood State Park took ten minutes for family members and onlookers.

The sheriff’s office posted on Facebook that once family members found the subject, other nearby river users and family members tried to save his life. Efforts to save lives failed.

The region had limited mobile reception and was regarded as remote by the sheriff’s office. At 2:36 p.m., someone texted 911 to report the accident to the authorities.

They advised river users to wear life jackets at all times.

Editor Beth Slovic works on the breaking news and public safety team. You can contact her at orbslovic@oregonian.com or 503-221-8551.

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