BEND, Oregon — July 21, 2025 — One person has died and two others remain missing after a tragic incident on the Deschutes River, where a group of six individuals was swept over Dillon Falls near Bend, Oregon, on Friday afternoon.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the emergency call came in at approximately 2:57 p.m. on July 19, reporting that multiple people had gone over the powerful and treacherous rapids known as Dillon Falls — a notorious stretch of whitewater within the Deschutes National Forest.
A coordinated multi-agency search and rescue operation was immediately launched. Deputies from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire and Rescue personnel, and the Sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) team responded swiftly. Drone support from Bend Police Department and aerial assistance from AirLink Critical Care Transport were also deployed in the search efforts.
Authorities confirmed that three individuals were rescued from the Deschutes River and transported via ambulance to a local hospital in Bend. Tragically, one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while two individuals remain unaccounted for as of Saturday, July 20.
In a statement released to the public, the sheriff’s office said that rescue and recovery teams “continued recovery efforts into the evening hours” on July 19 and resumed search operations at first light the following morning.
Officials have not released the names of the victims or the circumstances that led the group to be swept over Dillon Falls, citing an ongoing investigation.
“The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office thanks all partner agencies for their swift and coordinated response,” the department stated. “Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Understanding the Dangers of Dillon Falls
Dillon Falls is a dramatic section of the Deschutes River characterized by a 15-foot vertical drop that rapidly transitions into a violent cascade of churning whitewater. Often described as a “step-ladder” pattern of rapids, the waterfall is deceptively beautiful — and extremely hazardous.
Located about five miles southwest of downtown Bend in the Deschutes National Forest, Dillon Falls is popular among hikers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, but it’s not considered navigable for casual or recreational boaters. The U.S. Forest Service and regional tourism authorities have previously warned visitors of the dangers associated with venturing too close to the rapids.
Bend, a rapidly growing city with a population of approximately 100,000, sits along the Deschutes River in central Oregon, roughly 130 miles southeast of the state capital, Salem. The region is renowned for its outdoor recreation — including hiking, kayaking, and rafting — though some areas of the river, like Dillon Falls, pose serious risks.
Ongoing Search Efforts
As of Sunday, search and rescue teams continue to scour the area surrounding Dillon Falls using a combination of boats, drones, ground teams, and aerial surveillance in hopes of recovering the remaining two individuals. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the group involved were locals or visitors.
The sheriff’s office urges the public to exercise caution near all waterways, particularly during peak summer flow rates, which can increase the speed and turbulence of rivers.
