Oakridge, OR – A 26-year-old Oregon City man died after drowning while paddleboarding on the Willamette River near Black Canyon Campground, according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Oakridge Fire personnel responded at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, to a reported drowning near Black Canyon Campground on the Willamette River.
Authorities said the caller reported that his son had been pulled from the water and was not breathing. People at the scene immediately began CPR, which continued until firefighters arrived.
Despite lifesaving efforts, the man was pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as Justin Daniel Brudvig, 26, of Oregon City.
Investigators determined Brudvig had been paddleboarding without wearing a life jacket when the incident occurred. Officials did not release additional details about what led to him entering the water.
The Sheriff’s Office is using the incident to remind the public to take precautions while enjoying rivers and other waterways, especially during the busy summer recreation season.
Officials recommend that anyone attaching themselves to a watercraft use only a breakaway tether, always wear a properly fitted life jacket, avoid alcohol while on the water, and never recreate alone.
The investigation into the drowning remains ongoing.
