One victim still missing nearly a week after Dillon Falls tragedy, as recovery efforts continue
Claire Elmer
(Update: adding new video, information from Friday’s efforts)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The recovery operation at Dillon Falls continues, with the final victim still missing, nearly a week after last Saturday’s deadly tubing accident on the Deschutes River.
Search and rescue teams — largely made up of trained volunteers — have remained committed to the mission, working long hours through challenging river conditions.
Crews have used a range of specialized resources: drones, helicopters, sonar, dive teams, and cadaver dogs — all in an effort to bring closure to the victim’s loved ones.
On Friday, volunteers received another round of donated meals from local restaurants, delivered by concerned community members.
Authorities say while recovery work is ongoing, the area does remain open to the public, though they’re urging people to give crews the space and respect they need.
Meanwhile, commercial whitewater rafting tours continue to launch from the incident command site. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Jason Carr told KTVZ News the tours intersect only briefly at the put-in point before heading downstream — away from the recovery zone — and have not interfered with the ongoing search.
Officials emphasize that while the river is a draw for summer fun, it also carries hidden dangers. Dillon Falls is a Class 5 rapid that can trap even experienced swimmers.
This tragedy has sparked conversations about safety education and barrier possibilities.
As the search continues, the dedication of recovery crews remains unshaken. They will use information gathered earlier this week to search points of interest. The team is gearing up for a larger search over the weekend.
Though the search and rescue team is run out of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, it is primarily run by volunteers. They expect to have more manpower on the weekend and will use it to search the upper rapids.
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — July 24 –Even though the search has been going on for nearly a week, the team at Dillion Falls is determined.
“Our motivation and our volunteers’ motivation is that they really understand the mission and they understand that they work for the family and the public,” sheriff’s Lieutenant Nathan Garibay told KTVZ News on Thursday. “And they want to bring every missing subject home. And that’s ultimately their goal. And that’s what drives them.”
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 23 — Late Wednesday, the missing man’s mother issued a statement through the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, supporting their efforts.
Here’s the release, in full:
The mother of the individual still missing at Dillon Falls asked the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to release the following statement on her behalf. She asks for privacy and will not make further statements or respond to media inquiries.
MOTHER’S STATEMENT:
“It has come to my attention that there is misinformation circulating about the ongoing search and rescue operations to locate my child. I want to be clear and direct: my family and I have been in close communication with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Search & Rescue teams from the very beginning. We are incredibly grateful for their support, professionalism, and unwavering commitment. The efforts of the deputies, staff, and volunteers have gone above and beyond anything we could have hoped for, and we deeply appreciate everything they are doing.
“This search is far more complex than most people realize. Many members of the public do not have full knowledge of the situation, which has led to misunderstandings and assumptions. As the mother of the missing individual, I support the approach and strategy implemented by the Sheriff’s Office and the trained Search & Rescue professionals. I trust the situation is being handled with the utmost care, expertise, and compassion.
“Out of respect for our family, I ask that people refrain from spreading false information, speculating, or interfering in this process. We especially ask that “Juan the Diver” cease and desist from making further public comments or attempting to participate in the official search. His involvement has not been part of the coordinated response, and we do not want the hard work of these trained professionals questioned or disrupted.
“Our focus remains on bringing our child home. We are not speaking to the media at any time and respectfully ask that no one contacts our immediate family. We are still in the process of notifying relatives who live outside the country, and we ask for privacy and space to navigate this unimaginable situation.
“Please continue to support the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the incredible people and volunteers working tirelessly on this mission. We are releasing this statement to clear the air and move forward without distraction.
“Thank you for your understanding and compassion.”
—with respect,
The Mother of the Missing Individual
The continuing search efforts are marked by more powerful community support, emotional weight, and tireless effort from teams on the ground, on and under the water and in the air.
Authorities released more details Tuesday of what happened, saying a group of six was tubing on the Deschutes River on Saturday when they missed the final takeout point and were swept over the 15-foot drop at Dillon Falls — a Class 5 rapid, with dangerous whitewater.
Lt. Nathan Garibay, emergency services manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, told KTVZ News about their continued efforts.
“We’re employing some different tactics today that should allow us to search some areas of strong current that are particularly challenging to search,” Garibay said.
Crews remain determined and committed.
“We’ll work today until we get our planned operations accomplished. And if there’s additional operations we identify that we have the means and capability to continue, we’ll continue to do those until we’ve exhausted what’s reasonable for today,” Garibay added.
Search and rescue dogs once again partnered with divers to pinpoint potential recovery areas. A helicopter and plane with high-definition cameras assisted with aerial scans. And sonar will be deployed for deeper water searches, if needed.
At the incident command post, one of the many concerned Central Oregonians, Tosha White, explained that she wanted to help fuel recovery efforts and show the community’s support.
“I figure, why not organize coffee, drinks, breakfast, lunch for all the search and rescue team? You know, keep everybody hydrated and so they’re not out here hungry, just as a community member trying to show support for the family as well as the best that we can,” White said.
The sheriff’s office released the names of the two recovered victims: Amanda Loyd, 40, of Rockwall, Texas, and Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida.
The third victim’s family is anxiously awaiting his recovery. They have expressed their gratitude to Central Oregonians for their support and continued efforts.
“I did speak to the brother yesterday, who is outpouring with love of how much our community has stepped up and helped,” White said. “I just hope if this was my family, that the community would come together as well as they have for this family.”
Crews also expressed their gratitude for the support. Most of the recovery crews are composed of unpaid volunteers who donate their services to help. Garibay spoke of the impact White and the community donations have had on everyone working to bring closure to families in grief and pain.
“We’re made up of around 120 volunteers that actually do the lion’s share of the work. And so that support for our volunteers and these people that really dedicate their time, energy, and talents is very kind,” Garibay said.
Garibay said recovery efforts will continue until the last victim is found. Everyone is hopeful the final family will receive closure soon, so the healing can begin.
A special thank you was offered to the following businesses and community members for their donations to the recovery crews:
Nothing Bundt Cakes, Kelsey Moe
RV Adventures, Emily Jarrett
Richard’s Donuts and Pastries
Starbucks, Hwy 20
A Sweet Obsession
Crooked Alchemy, Alej Alejaandra
Happy Healthy Meals, Lindsey Puckett
Pastries, KJ Eisert
Ice, cooler, and drinks, Michelle Needham
Organization and delivery, Tosha White
On the fifth day of recovery efforts, teams are making plans to scale the sheer canyon walls with climbing equipment, so they can lower cameras into the rapids.
It is the searcher’s belief the body may be trapped in these rapids, but no human can enter this dangerous water, and most equipment cannot be used.
Operations below the falls continue, with Sheriffs from Multnomah county using sonar boats and underwater drones to search calmer waters.
Divers are in the area as well.
Special trained dogs are also searching and they’re showing signs of interest closer to the falls themselves.
A plane from the civil air patrol with a specialized camera will be making passes over the falls today, which may give searchers a view underneath the waters surface.
Here is Wednesday’s news release from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:
Deschutes County, OR – Recovery efforts are ongoing today, in the search for the last remaining individual missing after six people missed the final takeout area at Dillon Falls on Saturday, July 19th. The group had been floating on inner tubes tied together before the incident occurred.
Investigators have learned that the three survivors jumped from their tubes and made it to shore, while the other three were swept into the main rapids. Dillon Falls is an extremely dangerous section of the Deschutes River, marked by a dramatic 15-foot drop and classified as a Class 5 Rapid. It features long, violent, and obstructed sections of whitewater with rocks, logs, and other debris that pose serious hazards even to experienced paddlers.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is now releasing the names of the two deceased victims:
Amanda Loyd, Date of Birth: July 16, 1985 (40) – of Rockwall, Texas
Lindsay Bashan, Date of Birth: January 3, 1992 (33) – of Parkland, Florida
The name of the final missing individual will be released once they are located and next of kin have been notified. The identities of the three survivors are being withheld out of respect for their privacy.
Search operations remain active today. A Life Flight aircraft is flying with a DCSO Search & Rescue (SAR) diver onboard to survey the area from the air, while Portland Police Bureau has deployed a fixed-wing aircraft with specialized search cameras to assist. A K-9 team is also on scene, including the same dog that was instrumental in locating the victim Monday. If the final missing individual is not found today, side-scanning sonar will be brought in to assist with deeper underwater searches.
“This has been a difficult and emotional incident, and we can’t say enough about the professionalism and dedication of our Marine Patrol Unit, Search & Rescue Deputies, and SAR Volunteers,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “They have led a coordinated and effective mission under very challenging conditions, and their work has already helped bring answers and closure to two grieving families. We are confident they will continue doing everything possible to locate the final missing individual.”
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to stay clear of the Dillon Falls area while operations are underway. Search teams follow a systematic, methodical approach that requires experience, training, and preparation. Public interference or unintentional disruption could slow recovery efforts and put the recovery at risk.
As summer recreation increases across Central Oregon, the Sheriff’s Office also urges everyone to take safety precautions when on the water:
Know the water: Understand the river or lake you’re on and where it’s safe to launch and take out. Watch for posted signs and warnings.
Wear a life jacket: Always have a personal flotation device (PFD) on you or readily available. It can mean the difference between life and death.
Avoid alcohol and drugs: Impairment is a leading factor in many water-related incidents. Stay sober to stay safe.
Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) July 21 — Deschutes County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue divers recovered the body Monday of a second female victim of an accident in which six people went over turbulent Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River southwest of Bend on Saturday. The search continues for a male who is missing; the three others were rescued on Saturday.
The swift water rescue team assisted on Sunday. But on Monday, the dive team was deployed. They were joined by a search and rescue dog who rode in the boat and helped identify key areas for them to search.
KTVZ News was there when a recovery boat was sent out, and about an hour later when it came back to shore.
Moments after the boat returned, a somber scene unfolded. Crews carefully removed one body from the recovery boat and into a waiting vehicle.
Officials later confirmed a female had been recovered from the water — she was one of the two individuals still considered missing as of early Monday morning.
Lt. Nathan Garibay, emergency services manager for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, explained their efforts for the day, and going forward.
“Our operations primarily consist of using dive teams to search areas of interest based on information we’ve received from K9 teams, in conjunction with our marine patrol, as well as drone flights,” said Garibay.
“After each operational period, we assess what we’ve completed. So once we get done today, we’ll reevaluate, assess and then identify strategies and tactics that will help us accomplish what our incident objectives are,” Garibay said of ongoing efforts.
After the first recovery was complete midday on Monday, divers and the search dog prepared to get back in the boat for another search.
With one person still missing, there is still work to do. Officials say they will continue their efforts for however long it takes to recover the last body.
We will continue to keep you updated on this tragic, developing story.
Here’s Monday’s update from DCSO Public Information Officer Jason Carr:
“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) confirms that divers with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) team located and recovered the body of a second victim shortly after 11:00 a.m. today. The female was found below Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend.
Search and rescue operations continue in the area as one individual is still missing. A human remains detection K-9 has been brought in again today to assist. At this time, DCSO can confirm three survivors and two deceased females. One male member of the party is still unaccounted for.
SAR teams continue to work diligently, using all available resources. Over the past two days, crews have utilized boats, drones, swift water rescue teams, and K-9 units to search, map, and narrow down high-probability locations along the river corridor between the Dillon Falls Day Use Area above the falls and the Aspen Day Use Area below the falls.
The 9-1-1 call reporting the incident was received at 2:57 p.m. on Saturday, July 19th. Since then, local resources have supported the efforts by the DCSO SAR team, including assistance from Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, and AirLink.
The names of those involved are not being released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the families affected and remains committed to exhausting all possibilities in the ongoing search effort.”
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) June 20 — A summer float on the Deschutes River ended in tragedy near Dillon Falls this weekend.
Officials responded to a report just before 3 p.m. on Saturday that six people in inner tubes had gone over the falls.
Three people were rescued, one was found deceased and as of Monday morning, two people remain missing.
A multi-agency recovery operation has been underway since the initial call, with drones, K9s and search boats working along both the water and the banks.
People recreating in the area took notice of the efforts. Liz Keyser and Mike Sanchez were cycling in the area on Sunday.
“We saw a lot of resources. Search and rescue at Benham Falls…and then sheriff’s along the trail above the river,” said Keyser. “And a guy with a remote drone that was probably searching,” Sanchez added.
Signage does exist to warn floaters about the last takeout point before the dangerous drop. But, if you’re not paying attention or are unfamiliar with the area, the risk can be high.
Jason Carr, public information officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO), pointed out the additional concerns with the specific location.
“The issue with that spot is just right around the bend from the day use area is where the rapids begin, and if people get caught there, it’s almost impossible for them to be able to get out,” stressed Carr.
As recovery efforts continue, the officials urge the public to stay away from the area as much as possible so teams can work without disruption.
“If you see a lot of crews there, it’s best to just remain out of the area so they can do their job,” said Carr.
This tragedy serves as a grim reminder to always be extremely cautious when recreating in Central Oregon. The goal of the ongoing recovery efforts weighed heavily on those witnessing them.
“It’s pretty solemn riding out here today…we are just praying for the families and the three survivors in this accident. It’s just really sad. Know where you’re floating. Know the rapids and the falls in this river,” said Keyser.
Sanchez reminded the public, “wear your PFD (personal floatation device). Always wear your PFD.”
DCSO says they’re prepared to continue recovery operations as long as it takes, using every available resource. They remain confident they will be able to find the missing victims.
“We have a lot of resources at our disposal. As the recovery efforts continue, there’s additional resources that can be deployed,” said Carr.
KTVZ News will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they are received.
The original Saturday release from DCSO is below:
Deschutes County, Ore. – A multi-agency search and rescue operation is underway after a group of six individuals went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend Saturday afternoon.
At approximately 2:57 p.m., Deschutes County 9-1-1 received a report of the incident, prompting an immediate response from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR). The Bend Police Department provided drone support, and AirLink assisted with the aerial search.
Three individuals were rescued from the river and transported to St. Charles-Bend by ambulance. One person was confirmed deceased at the scene. Two others remain missing.
DCSO Search & Rescue and Bend Fire & Rescue crews continued recovery efforts into the evening and will work until sunset. If unsuccessful, operations will pause overnight and resume in the morning.
The names of the victims and survivors are not being released at this time to allow for proper family notification.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.