Man Presumed Drowned After Being Swept Downstream In South Umpqua River

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Authorities say a man is presumed drowned after a reported river rescue Friday morning on the South Umpqua River near Portland Avenue.

Douglas County 911 dispatchers received a call at about 7:23 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, reporting a man stranded in the middle of the river and yelling for help, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and multiple partner agencies responded and located the man in the water near Portland Avenue. Because of the swift current, responders determined the scene was only reachable by boat. Rescue boats were dispatched from Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Oregon State Police, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials said responders began coordinating a rescue as boats were en route, but the man lost his grip and was carried downstream. Deputies attempted to throw a rescue rope, but were unable to reach him. The man later went underwater and did not resurface.

Crews continued recovery efforts for several hours Friday without success. The sheriff’s office said search operations will continue in the coming days.

Investigators believe the man had tried to cross the river using a raft and a stick to propel himself. His identity has not been confirmed.

Assisting agencies included Oregon State Police, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Central Douglas Fire & Rescue, Roseburg Fire Department, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance.