The Rogue River May Have Claimed Another Victim
The Rogue River may have claimed another victim Friday afternoon.
A camper staying at Indian Mary County Park and her dog, are missing and feared drowned after an incident at the park's boat ramp into the Rogue River.
However, the husband of the missing woman was pulled from the water by a bystander who immediately began CPR with the help of the patient's son. CPR was continued until pulses were regained and the patient was transported to the hospital where his current condition is unreported.
Rescue crews from Rural Metro Fire, American Medical Response, and marine deputies from the Josephine County Sheriff's Office arrived and initiated a full search and rescue operation. Firefighters and deputies searched the water from a boat and by "hasty search" on the bank. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was also deployed.
The search was called off just before 20:00 hrs. Cause of the accident remains unclear due to lack of witnesses. Indian Mary Park is one of several locations on the Rogue River where this type of accident has occurred in the past.
During this time of year when the weather warms up and people start hanging out near the river, First Responders routinely issue safety reminders to prevent tragic mishaps such as this. Water levels are very high and move deceptively swift below the surface. Melting snowpack keeps the water colder than expected and will quickly affect muscle function. The Rogue is currently 55 degrees.
First Responders will be at the Grants Pass Family YMCA from 10:00 to 12:00 tomorrow, Saturday May 13, to carry this message of safety to those who attend. Free life jackets will be given out.
