Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office
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News Release
Toketee Rescue 08.12.18A
Toketee Rescue 08.12.18A
*UPDATE* Search and Rescue Mission at Toketee Falls (Photo) - 08/15/18

UPDATE 08/15/2018 10:00 AM

The search for 23 year-old Brian Lewinstein of Berkeley California is continuing today. Lewinstein is presumed dead after falling from a cliff above Toketee Falls on Sunday. 

Search and Rescue personnel have been searching the area ever since. It is believed that Lewinstein fell into the top pool of the falls. 

"There are several factors at play that make this search problematic, such as the steepness of the terrain, the length of the fall and the fact that Mr. Lewinstein possibly landed in the first pool beneath the falls. If he landed in the falls there is a possibility he was washed down to the second pool or even into the North Umpqua River, said Wayne Stinson Emergency Management Coordinator. 

Divers are unable to search the pools due to dangerous water conditions.

The search is expected to ramp down after today as searchers are comfortable they have searched all possible ground beneath the falls. 

"A deputy will continue to check the bodies of water where Mr. Lewinstein may be located. We are working closely with the Lewinstein family and will keep them aprised of our progress. Our hearts go out to them, said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. 

UPDATE 08/13/2018 10:00 AM

Searchers are back at Toketee Falls today looking for a California man who fell from above the falls Sunday afternoon. Some incorrect information is circulating that the man had been located. As of the time of this release, he has not been located and the search continues.

The man has been identified as 23 year-old Brian Lewinstein of Berkeley, California. Next of kin has been notified. 

Lewinstein had crossed a safety fence to take a photograph from above the falls when he slipped and fell down the steep embankment. 

###

IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. - On Sunday, August 12, 2018, at 2:48 PM, Douglas County Emergency Communications received a 9-1-1 call reporting an adult male who fell down a cliff at Toketee Falls. 

Emergency personnel responded to the scene along with members of Pacific Corp and have been trying to locate the man. A search and rescue mission is in progress. Deputies have identified the man, but will not be releasing his name at this time pending next of kin notification. 

"Given the terrain and factors involved this mission is very complex. Our search volunteers are searching with an utmost sense of urgency, while carefully balancing the needs for responder safety," said Sgt. Brad O'Dell. 

There is no time frame for an additional press release. 

View more news releases from Douglas Co. Sheriff's Office.