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News Release

Closure Reached As Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy On July 19 Identified; Family Notified - 09/04/25

 

***DATE CORRECTION: The Incident Occurred on July 19, not July 12 as previously stated. It has been updated in this version of the media release.***

 

 

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery and identification of the third and final individual from the July 19 incident at Dillon Falls.

 

On August 27, two kayakers exploring Lava Island Falls on the Deschutes River discovered the body in the rapids, downstream from Dillon Falls. Search and Rescue teams, assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, conducted a complex recovery operation in an inaccessible area with swift water that took about five hours to complete.

 

The Deschutes County Medical Examiner has identified the body as Derek Slesinger, 33, of Newark, Delaware. He was visiting Central Oregon as part of a group of six friends recreating in the area on the weekend of the incident. Three tragically died, and three survived. The other two victims who lost their lives included:

 

  • Amanda I. Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas
  • Lindsay V. Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida

 

Following confirmation of Slesinger’s identity, Sheriff Ty Rupert met with his mother. She asked that her family remain out of the public eye but offered heartfelt thanks to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives, and especially the Search and Rescue teams whose efforts she greatly appreciates. She shared that, although the loss has been heartbreaking, she is grateful to finally have closure and the opportunity to honor her son’s life.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

 

The recovery of Slesinger officially ends the search efforts connected to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Since July 19, Search and Rescue teams have devoted hundreds of hours to combing the stretch of river around Dillon Falls. Strong currents and Class VI rapids make recovery operations of this nature extremely difficult. Sections of the Deschutes River create additional challenges, with dangerous, unpredictable, and constantly shifting conditions. Slesinger was recovered in swift waters, and how Slesinger came to rest at Lava Island Falls will never be fully known.

 

"I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” added Sheriff Rupert. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”

 

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s essential to plan ahead, know take-out locations on rivers, obey all posted warnings, and always have a life jacket. These steps are critical for anyone recreating on local waterways.

 

 

Statement by Derek Slesinger’s Mother, Diana Adames

 

On behalf of my family, I want to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and all of the agencies and people who helped bring closure to this accident.

 

There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story. I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.

 

We may never know exactly where Derek was all this time or why he ended up downriver. None of that matters to me. What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.

 

I also want to thank community members, like my new friends Piera and Kerri, who embraced, supported, and showed me kindness. Local businesses stepped up, such as Hook & Plow, Dear Mom Cafe, Still Vibrato, Donner Flower Shop, and 10 Barrel, who were so good to me. I’ll never forget it. They showed me the wonderful side of humanity.

 

As my family and I bring Derek home, I ask that our privacy be respected so we can say goodbye and let him rest in peace. Please know that my gratitude to this community, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, its Search & Rescue teams, and everyone who stood by me is heartfelt and will remain with me forever.

 

Diana Adames

 

Closure Reached As Final Person From The Dillon Falls Tragedy On July 19 Identified; Family Notified - 09/04/25

 

***DATE CORRECTION: The Incident Occurred on July 19, not July 12 as previously stated. It has been updated in this version of the media release.***

 

 

Bend, Ore. -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery and identification of the third and final individual from the July 19 incident at Dillon Falls.

 

On August 27, two kayakers exploring Lava Island Falls on the Deschutes River discovered the body in the rapids, downstream from Dillon Falls. Search and Rescue teams, assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, conducted a complex recovery operation in an inaccessible area with swift water that took about five hours to complete.

 

The Deschutes County Medical Examiner has identified the body as Derek Slesinger, 33, of Newark, Delaware. He was visiting Central Oregon as part of a group of six friends recreating in the area on the weekend of the incident. Three tragically died, and three survived. The other two victims who lost their lives included:

 

  • Amanda I. Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas
  • Lindsay V. Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida

 

Following confirmation of Slesinger’s identity, Sheriff Ty Rupert met with his mother. She asked that her family remain out of the public eye but offered heartfelt thanks to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives, and especially the Search and Rescue teams whose efforts she greatly appreciates. She shared that, although the loss has been heartbreaking, she is grateful to finally have closure and the opportunity to honor her son’s life.

 

“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.

 

The recovery of Slesinger officially ends the search efforts connected to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Since July 19, Search and Rescue teams have devoted hundreds of hours to combing the stretch of river around Dillon Falls. Strong currents and Class VI rapids make recovery operations of this nature extremely difficult. Sections of the Deschutes River create additional challenges, with dangerous, unpredictable, and constantly shifting conditions. Slesinger was recovered in swift waters, and how Slesinger came to rest at Lava Island Falls will never be fully known.

 

"I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” added Sheriff Rupert. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”

 

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s essential to plan ahead, know take-out locations on rivers, obey all posted warnings, and always have a life jacket. These steps are critical for anyone recreating on local waterways.

 

 

Statement by Derek Slesinger’s Mother, Diana Adames

 

On behalf of my family, I want to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and all of the agencies and people who helped bring closure to this accident.

 

There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story. I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.

 

We may never know exactly where Derek was all this time or why he ended up downriver. None of that matters to me. What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.

 

I also want to thank community members, like my new friends Piera and Kerri, who embraced, supported, and showed me kindness. Local businesses stepped up, such as Hook & Plow, Dear Mom Cafe, Still Vibrato, Donner Flower Shop, and 10 Barrel, who were so good to me. I’ll never forget it. They showed me the wonderful side of humanity.

 

As my family and I bring Derek home, I ask that our privacy be respected so we can say goodbye and let him rest in peace. Please know that my gratitude to this community, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, its Search & Rescue teams, and everyone who stood by me is heartfelt and will remain with me forever.

 

Diana Adames