Toketee Falls SAR Update, Aug. 16

UPDATE 08/15/2018 10:00 AM – The search for 23 year-old Brian Lewinstein of Berkeley California is continuing today. Lewinstein is presumed dead after falling from a cliff above Toketee Falls on Sunday, Aug. 12. Search and Rescue personnel have been searching the area ever since. It is believed that Lewinstein fell into the top pool of the falls. “There are several factors at play that make this search problematic, such as the steepness of the terrain, the length of the fall and the fact that Mr. Lewinstein possibly landed in the first pool beneath the falls. If he landed in the falls there is a possibility he was washed down to the second pool or even into the North Umpqua River, said Wayne Stinson Emergency Management Coordinator. Divers are unable to search the pools due to dangerous water conditions. The search is expected to ramp down after today as searchers are comfortable they have searched all possible ground beneath the falls. “A deputy will continue to check the bodies of water where Mr. Lewinstein may be located. We are working closely with the Lewinstein family and will keep them aprised of our progress. Our hearts go out to them, said Sgt. Brad O’Dell.