One dead after raft overturns near McKenzie Bridge

On Sept. 11, 2022 at approximately 8:18 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information that a raft had overturned in the McKenzie River near Paradise Campground, just upriver from McKenzie Bridge. 

While en route, deputies learned that one of the three involved rafters was unconscious and CPR had been performed by bystanders and paramedics.  Paramedics advised at 9:14 a.m. that the male had died. 

Deputies arrived on scene and began investigating the circumstances of the death.  Initial investigation revealed that the men’s raft capsized and the involved male had gone underwater for some period of time before being pulled to shore by bystanders. All three men had lifejackets in the boat. However, none were wearing them at the time of the emergency. 

The name of the deceased is being withheld at this time.