The Josephine County Sheriff’s office continues to search for a presumed drowning victim from September 28th . according to a Sheriff’s office press release Thursday afternoon.
That day, the Sheriff’s Office was notified of a drowning that occurred at Wild Cat Rapids in the Wild and Scenic section of the Rogue River.
Information provided indicated a group of 11 people, with 5 rafts, were navigating the Wild and Scenic section of the river when one of the rafts got stuck in the middle of Wild Cat Rapids approximately 5 miles below Grave Creek Boat Ramp. While trying to free the raft, the victim slipped on a rock and fell into the water. Due to the swift and dangerous water, the victim was immediately pushed into a large “strainer” made by two large rocks.
David Bartecchi, a 46-year-old male from Colorado, was pinned to the side of the rock under water. Several people in the group attempted to pull him out, however, due to the pressure of the water they were unable to.
Rescue crews from the Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and Bureau of Land Management responded to the incident. During the recovery, the river was shut down due to several rope systems being set up across the river. Rescue teams utilized long poles and rope systems in the attempt to recover Bartecchi, however, the swift water pulled him under the rock and down river.
Bartecchi is still missing at the time of this release and next of kin has been notified. Further details will be provided as they become available.
