On Sunday, February 12, 2017, at approximately 2:43 pm, Douglas County Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call of two rafters in distress in the North Umpqua River around mile post 32 on Highway 138 East in Idleyld Park. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol along with Fire Department and EMS were dispatched to the area. The investigation revealed that two adult males were floating the North Umpqua River when their raft overturned. One of the rafters was able to get back in the raft but the other could not. The two then entered a second set of rapids, which again overturned the raft. The same male was able to get back into the raft, but could not locate his rafting partner. A passing motorist saw the event take place and summoned 9-1-1. They were able to follow the male in the water and direct the male in the raft to his partner. The rafter was eventually able to get to his partner and remove him to the riverbank. Lifesaving efforts were initiated until EMS arrived and took over. The male was declared deceased after lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. Both rafters were equipped with helmets, life jackets and other safety equipment. Names are being withheld pending next of kin notification by the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
