A man died late Friday after entering the Sandy River near Dabney State Park, according to Multnomah County rescue officials.
A caller saw the man enter the river alone and then begin to struggle, officials said. The man went underwater and did not resurface.
Rescue crews located him underwater and took him to a hospital, where he was declared deceased. Officials are withholding his identity as they notify his next-of-kin.
This is the third major rescue attempt along the Sandy this week. A paddler drowned near Oxbow Regional Park on Wednesday, and a family of three was hospitalized after being swept by a current at the same park on Thursday.
Rescuers warn that water can be colder, deeper and have stronger currents than it appears. They urge people to visit swimming areas in rivers and lakes where there are lifeguards, such as Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale.
They also advised people to wear life jackets, which can be borrowed for free at these locations:
- Glenn Otto Park
- Dabney State Park
- Oxbow Regional Park
- Dodge Park
- Lewis and Clark Park