Fatal Boating Incident At Diamond Lake, Divers Recover Body (Photo) - 07/19/26

DIAMOND LAKE, Ore. - On Saturday, July 18, 2026, at approximately 2:17 p.m., the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded to Diamond Lake following a report of a person who had fallen overboard from a pontoon boat and disappeared beneath the water. 

The victim was identified as 71-year-old William Harry Bailey of Bethalto, Illinois, who was at Diamond Lake with family members for a reunion. Earlier in the day, the family rented a pontoon boat to spend time on the lake. 

Deputies learned that Bailey and his sister moved to the bow of the pontoon boat to take a photograh. As they stood at the front of the boat, the bow dipped into the water, causing the stern to rise. Both Bailey and his ster lost their balance and fell into the lake. 

Witnesses report Bailey pushed his sister out of the way to prevent her from falling in front of the boat. In doing so, Bailey fell directly in front of the moving pontoon, which passed over him. Bailey briefly resurfaced before going back underwater. 

Family members immediately began searching for Bailey and called 911. Deputies, fire personnel and other emergency responders searched the area of the last known point he was seen but were unable to immediately locate him. 

Divers from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office responded and were able to locate and recover Bailey's body from the lake. The Douglas County Medical Examiner's Office was notified. 

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Bailey's family and friends during this difficult time. 

Assisting agencies included Diamond Lake Resort, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, REACH Air Medical Services and the Oregon State Marine Board.