Idleyld Park river rescues: one life saved, one lost in swift currents
Emergency crews responded to two river rescues along the North Umpqua Saturday. A Myrtle Creek woman was rescued after being swept downstream, while a separate incident near milepost 24.5 resulted in the drowning death of 50-year-old Jonathon Vasquez of Mapleton.
IDLEYLD PARK, Ore. — Two separate emergencies unfolded along the North Umpqua River on Saturday, leading to a successful rescue in one case and a heartbreaking loss in another.
The first incident happened around 2 p.m. near Baker Wayside. According to a report from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Andrea Norton, 33, of Myrtle Creek was enjoying the river with her family when she was caught by the current and swept to the opposite shore. Norton injured her ankle after slipping on the rocky bank and became stranded, unable to walk and surrounded by swift water and rapids.
Emergency crews from the Sheriff’s Office, Glide Fire Department, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance responded quickly. Central Douglas Fire & Rescue launched a raft and was able to bring Norton safely back across the river.
Just after 5 p.m., dispatchers received another emergency call reporting a possible drowning in the Swiftwater area along Highway 138 East. Some rescue teams diverted from the earlier incident to respond. Deputies learned that Jonathon Vasquez, 50, of Mapleton, had gone underwater while swimming and did not resurface. His body was later recovered, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Sheriff's office extended their condolences to Vasquez’s family and thanked all emergency responders and agencies involved in the day’s rescue efforts.
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