Benton County, OR – A 51-year-old Albany man died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake, despite rescue efforts by witnesses and emergency responders.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 11:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2026, after receiving reports of a person in the water near river mile 133. A witness attempted to rescue Romail Dontail Allen and reported around 11:59 a.m. that Allen appeared to be deceased. Authorities said Allen was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident.
Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were operating farther downstream near the Polk County line when the call came in. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.
Firefighters recovered Allen from the river at approximately 12:22 p.m. upstream from Michael’s Landing. Responders immediately began lifesaving efforts and continued resuscitation while transporting him to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Corvallis Fire Department for its rapid response, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center for coordinating the emergency response, and the witnesses who attempted to help Allen.
The Sheriff’s Office is reminding the public to wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever recreating in or near the water, noting that river conditions can change quickly and overwhelm even experienced swimmers. Free public-use life jackets are available at stations in Benton County parks along the Willamette River, and visitors are encouraged to borrow and return them after use.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Deputy Savage at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.
