Summary:
- A tragic incident at Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River in Oregon resulted in one confirmed fatality and two individuals missing.
- Emergency crews responded on July 19 after reports of several people being swept over the waterfall, located near Bend, Oregon.
- Sgt. Jason Wall reported that one body was recovered and search efforts for the two missing individuals are ongoing.
- The identities of the involved individuals have not been released, and authorities are unsure of their activity at the time of the incident.
- Dillon Falls is known for its strong currents and sudden drop, posing hazards despite warning signs in the area.
- Search and rescue operations are continuing with boats, drones, and ground crews, but challenging water conditions complicate efforts.
A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend at Dillon Falls, a well-known stretch of the Deschutes River in central Oregon, where a group of people was swept over the waterfall, resulting in one confirmed fatality and two individuals still missing as of Sunday.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the area on Saturday afternoon, July 19, after reports that several individuals had been carried over the falls. The scene is located approximately 10 miles southwest of the city of Bend, in a region favored by outdoor enthusiasts, particularly during the summer when river flows can be swift and unpredictable.
Sgt. Jason Wall, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated that the body of one individual had been recovered downstream. “Despite rapid response and multiple search units operating on water and from the air, we are still actively searching for the two missing individuals,” he noted Sunday afternoon.
Dillon Falls, while not among the tallest waterfalls in the region, poses particular hazards to river-goers due to its steep, sudden drop and strong currents. The area is marked with warning signs, and local officials frequently urge caution during high-flow periods in late spring and early summer.
Witnesses in the area reported seeing debris and personal items floating downstream shortly after the accident occurred. “We saw helmets and gear just floating past where we were sitting,” said Emily Hart, a visitor who had been hiking nearby. “It was clear something terrible had happened.”
Search and rescue operations have continued into Sunday evening, with boats, drones, and ground crews combing the banks. Water conditions have challenged the recovery effort, with fast currents and limited visibility complicating the search.
Officials say they will continue search operations “as long as conditions allow,” adding that updates will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
Background:
Here is how this event developed over time:
- July 19, 2025 – A group was swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River near Bend, Oregon, resulting in one confirmed death and two missing persons.
- July 20, 2025 – Local news outlets reported the incident, with Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office confirming ongoing search and rescue efforts.
- July 21, 2025 – The story gained wider media coverage, highlighting the risks of swift currents at Dillon Falls during the summer recreation season.