Swimmer dies after apparent medical incident near Willamette Mission Park

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A man died Saturday afternoon after officials say he likely suffered a medical incident while swimming in the Willamette River near Willamette Mission Park.

At about 3:45 p.m., authorities said a Yamhill County Sheriff’s deputy and a safety officer were working marine patrol on the river, when the deputy saw people in the water and heard someone yelling for help.

Both officials responded in the patrol boat and pulled an unconscious man from the river.

The patrol boat then took the man to the Wheatland Ferry landing to meet paramedics.

Despite the deputy and officer giving the man CPR in the boat, he was pronounced dead soon after the paramedics arrived.

While a death investigation is ongoing, the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office says early investigation found the man had a medical event while swimming in the river.

“Our thoughts are with the friends of the victim who were swimming with him and worked to keep his head above water while attempting to summon help,” the sheriff’s office said.