Parkland woman among 2 killed in fatal waterfall accident in Oregon, search continues for 3rd victim

BEND Ore AP Oregon agents on Tuesday identified two people who died in a fatal waterfall accident as search operations continued for the one person who remains missing The Deschutes County Sheriff s Office stated the casualties include Amanda Lloyd of Rockwall Texas and Lindsay Bashan of Parkland Florida The accident happened Saturday afternoon when a group was swept over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River about miles kilometers from the city of Bend Executives describe it as a dangerous section of the river featuring -foot -meter falls and whitewater rapids obstructed by rocks logs and other debris The six people were floating on inner tubes tied together the sheriff s office commented The three people who survived jumped from their inner tubes and made it to shore while the other three were swept into the rapids One person died at the scene while a second body was detected Monday Teams were searching for the one person still missing on Tuesday bureaucrats noted A diver was surveying the area from a plane while a separate aircraft assisted with specialized search cameras Search dogs were also at the scene The sheriff s office praised those involved in search operations during the complicated and emotional development They have led a coordinated and effective mission under very challenging conditions and their work has already helped bring answers and closure to two grieving families spokesperson Jason Carr disclosed in a message Carr has previously disclosed that the missing were presumed dead due to the unlikelihood of surviving the falls People recreating on that area of the river normally exit at the Dillon Falls day use area as the waterfall is just around the bend Carr announced Signs along the river warn of the hazardous waterfall ahead The three people rescued had minor wounds such as scrapes and bruises and were able to exit the rescue boat on their own and walk They were transported to a local hospital to ensure they had no other injuries Carr announced The names of the three survivors are being withheld to respect their privacy the sheriff s office disclosed The Deschutes River which runs through Bend is popular during the summer for various water exercises including rafting inner tube floating kayaking and paddleboarding