Wheeler County, Ore. – At approximately 12:00PM, June 26, 2016, deputies from the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office were called to the John Day River approximately 8 miles west of Spray after a report that a male,
16-year-old Monmouth resident had disappeared beneath the surface of the river while swimming with friends.
WCSO deputies, Wheeler County Search and Rescue, the Oregon State Police and members of the Spray Fire and Ambulance Departments searched extensively without success.
Approximately 2 hours after the search began, members of the Grant County Fast Water Rescue team responded to help and the search continued.
The victim was not found.
The scene has been secured and recovery efforts will resume in the morning.
The identity of the victim will not be released at this time.
The initial investigation does not indicate that this was anything but a tragic accidental drowning.
The John Day River continues to be deceptively dangerous with sudden changes in both the current and the underwater features of the riverbed.
Swimmers should use extreme caution when swimming in any natural waterway.
