Kayaker vanishes underwater as rafters rush to throw a life jacket, Oregon cops say

A California man was thrown into a rushing river when his kayak overturned, Oregon deputies said.

The 49-year-old was kayaking on the Rogue River in Oregon on Thursday, July 14, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said. He rented an inflatable kayak for the day.

The man hit a rapid and his kayak overturned. He was tossed into the river and vanished underwater.

“Fellow rafters attempted to throw him a life jacket but were unsuccessful and he disappeared down river,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Deputies started searching for the man. They found him down river and started CPR.

“Mercy Flights ambulance responded to transport him to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” deputies said. “Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”

Officials did not publicly disclose the man’s identity.

Deputies said the water in the summer is “swift and cold.” Everyone should wear a life jacket while recreating in water, officials said.

This story was originally published July 18, 2022 at 10:55 AM with the headline "Kayaker vanishes underwater as rafters rush to throw a life jacket, Oregon cops say."