Deputies And Firefighters Respond To River Rescue On The Sandy River (Photo) -07/28/22

Updated press statement on 7/27/22:

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man as 46-year-old Derek Alan Johnson, of Portland. Witnesses reported that Johnson was stand-up paddling on the Sandy River when he fell into the water and did not resurface. The ME's Office ruled the cause of death as a drowning.

Johnson was not wearing a lifejacket.

We want to acknowledge lifesaving attempts by the Gresham Fire Department, Corbett Fire Department and AMR.

We also want to recognize the Trauma Intervention Program (TIPNW) volunteers who responded to provide emotional aid, support and resources to those impacted by the traumatic event.

No further information is expected to be released.

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Initial press statement posted on 7/26/22:

On Wednesday afternoon, at 2:40 p.m., Multnomah County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of an unresponsive person in the Sandy River, in the area of Oxbow Park.

When first responders arrived, deputies fanned out across the river bank, and firefighters with the Gresham Fire Department launched a river rescue raft.

Gresham firefighters located the person, an adult male, in the river and took him to shore to meet paramedics. Unfortunately, after a medical evaluation, paramedics declared the man dead on scene.

Further details will be shared at a later time. A PIO is not responding to the location.