A man is presumed drowned after being swept away in the South Umpqua River in Roseburg on Friday, authorities said.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the man was stranded in the river near Portland Avenue and was heard yelling for help. Emergency crews responded to the scene, including Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, the Roseburg Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.
Rescuers attempted to reach the man by boat, but swift currents complicated the effort. As crews approached, the man lost his grip and was carried downstream. Deputies tried to throw him a rescue rope, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
Authorities said the man eventually went underwater and did not resurface. Search efforts continued for several hours and are expected to resume.
Investigators said the man had been attempting to cross the river in a raft using a stick. His identity has not yet been released.
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