Recovery efforts continue for one remaining victim in Dillon Falls tragedy
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — On Monday morning, crews continued their recovery efforts in the water for the two people who were still considered missing after Saturday’s tragedy at Dillon Falls — the incident in which six people on inner-tubes went over the falls.
The swiftwater 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.