Authorities in Oregon are conducting an urgent multi-agency search after a group of six individuals were swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River Saturday afternoon, leaving one person dead, three hospitalized, and two still missing.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported receiving a 911 call shortly before 3 p.m. regarding the group going over the falls, which are located west of Bend. Emergency responders, including Bend Fire and Rescue and the Bend Police Department, arrived quickly at the scene.
One victim was pronounced dead at the site. Three others were rescued from the river and transported to a local hospital. As of Sunday night, officials had not provided an update on their conditions. Two individuals remain unaccounted for as the search continues.
Dillon Falls is known for its sudden 15-foot drop, followed by a sequence of turbulent rapids described by local tourism sources as a “quick, step ladder-like pattern.” It is considered one of the most hazardous sections of the Deschutes River.
Photos shared by the sheriff’s office show prominent hazard signage warning visitors of the upcoming falls and urging them to travel upstream only and wear life jackets.
The search and rescue operation, suspended Saturday night for safety reasons, resumed Sunday morning. Authorities deployed a combination of drones, marine patrol boats, and three K-9 units. A 15-member swift water rescue team was assigned to comb through priority areas identified by drone surveillance.
Despite the extensive effort, the two missing individuals were not located by the end of Sunday’s operation. The search is scheduled to resume Monday morning.
The sheriff’s office did not disclose what activity the group was engaged in prior to the incident—whether rafting, kayaking, or otherwise. The names of the deceased and the survivors have been withheld pending family notification.
Dillon Falls, while popular with hikers and sightseers, is clearly marked as a dangerous zone for river traffic. The ongoing investigation may clarify whether safety protocols were followed in this case.
