Near Drowning incident on the John Day River

On 07/29/2023 at approximately 11:16 am, Frontier Regional 9-1-1 took a report of a fisherman in the area of J.S. Burres Park (Highway 206 milepost 15), who went under water, was dragged to shore, and CPR was being started.

Resources from Sherman County Emergency Services, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office, South Gilliam Ambulance, Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Parks responded.

The subject was successfully revived at the scene and transported via Life Flight Network to a local area hospital. No additional information including the patients name will be released.

With summer in full swing and multiple waterways being used by adventurists, we would like to remind everyone about the importance of life jackets. If you are not a strong swimmer, have children, or operate a watercraft on the Columbia River, we strongly urge that life jackets are being worn. Tragedy can strike at a moment’s notice and if you are not wearing a life jacket those precious seconds end up mattering.