On Thursday, June 6, 2024, TCSO Deputies, Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue and Tillamook Ambulance were dispatched by Tillamook 911 to a report of a possible drowning on the Nehalem River just downstream from the Miami-Foley bridge.
“There were two adults, a man and a woman, in a canoe floating down the river when they hit an obstruction, got sideways, and both people were ejected from the boat into the water,” said TCSO Marine Deputy Dennis Greiner. “The woman started to swim to shore, but when she looked back, the male was face-down in the water not moving. She went back to get him and bring him to shore.”
The woman’s cries for help were heard by residents nearby, who then called 911. Neighbors quickly responded to the scene and began CPR on the man until first responders arrived. Tragically, despite the heroic rescue and resuscitation attempts by the woman, neighbors and first responders, the 49-year-old Nehalem man was pronounced deceased on scene. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
“It is imperative that PFD’s (personal floatation devices) are readily accessible, but preferably worn and fastened correctly,” said Deputy Greiner. “Even though you might be a lifelong boater or expert swimmer, one never knows what might happen when you hit the water during a boating incident.”