March 2, 2026 10:10 a.m.  

A man is presumed drowned following an incident in the South Umpqua River on Friday.

A Douglas County Sheriff’s Office report said at approximately 7:20 a.m. 911 dispatchers received a report of a man stranded in the middle of the river, yelling for help.

DCSO along with multiple other agencies responded to the area and located the man in the river near Portland Avenue, just north of the fairgrounds. Rescue boats from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police and DCSO were dispatched.

Initial responders attempted to coordinate a rescue, which was only accessible by boat due to the swift current. As boats were responding, the victim lost his grip and was swept downstream. Deputies attempted to throw a rescue rope to the man, but the rescue attempt was unsuccessful. The victim eventually went under the water and did not resurface.

The report said recovery attempts continued for several more hours unsuccessfully. Additional search efforts will continue in the days ahead.

Through the investigation, deputies learned that the man had attempted to cross the river in a raft, using a stick to propel himself across the river. The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.

DCSO was assisted by OSP, Douglas County Search and Rescue, CDF&R, Roseburg Fire Department and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.