About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Marion Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Marion Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@MCSOInTheKnow
This afternoon at approximately 2:09 pm, emergency services were dispatched for a water rescue at North Fork Park along the Little North Fork of the Santiam River in Marion County. It was reported a swimmer had gone underwater and did not resurface.
Prior to emergency services arriving on scene, bystanders were able to get the adult swimmer out of the water. Emergency responders from Lyons Fire District and Stayton Fire District took extensive efforts to attempt to resuscitate the male; tragically he was pronounced as deceased at the scene.
The deceased swimmer has been identified as Baltazar Tellovelasco, 29, of Oxnard, California.
Deputies learned Tellovelasco had gone into the water to assist his 12-year-old daughter who appeared to be in distress. She was able to make it out safely; however, Tellovelasco was not able to return to shore.
The Little North Fork of the Santiam River is a popular recreational area in the Santiam Canyon. Even on warm days, the water remains very cold, swift, and can be deeper than anticipated by swimmers. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office suggests swimmers exercise caution by following some simple steps:
- Never swim alone
- Avoid alcohol and marijuana around the water
- Wear a lifejacket
- Know how to perform CPR
- Know how and where you can call 911
The Sheriff’s Office reminds visitors there is very little to no cell phone reception in the North Fork area of the Santiam River. There are two 911 call boxes located on the outside wall of the Elk Horn Fire Station and at the entrance to Salmon Falls Park.