Search and recovery efforts at Dillon Falls continued over the weekend and remain active this week, with specialized teams using a full range of professional tools and training. One individual remains missing after six people missed the final takeout area at Dillon Falls on Saturday, July 19th. The group had been floating on inner tubes tied together before the incident occurred. Previous post
On Saturday and Sunday, swift water experts worked in and around the Class 5 rapids, tethered to safety systems while navigating hazardous conditions near the falls. Professional divers conducted thorough searches downstream, and highly trained K-9 units were used each day to help identify areas of interest. Crews also deployed sonar, side-scan equipment, and drones to aid in locating clues from both above and below the surface.
K-9 teams were back in the field Monday, actively searching both sides of the Deschutes River. They play a critical role in these types of searches and are trained to detect human scent in and around moving water, helping to guide where search efforts are focused. Drones are being re-flown to gather updated aerial perspectives and identify any changes in the landscape that could support the search effort.
As opportunities present and areas to investigate are identified, swift water search crews continue working along the river’s edge, in some cases using technical rope systems and operating under strict safety protocols. The challenging terrain and dangerous currents require deep experience and coordination.
Search operations will continue using various resources within and outside the agency as appropriate and available. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s
Office remains committed to this mission and deeply appreciates the support of its partner agencies and the community.
The Sheriff’s Office remains in daily communication and is working closely with the victim’s family. They have fully supported the ongoing efforts by DCSO and our Search and Rescue teams. The family has requested continued privacy while search operations continue.
