3 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Tragedy struck on the Clackamas River on Friday when two brothers were presumed dead after their raft capsized. According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a report of two missing persons who were attempting to cross the river to reach Austin Hot Springs. A 61-year-old man who survived the incident told deputies the group was on the river when their raft flipped, and all three men were thrown into the water. Despite the survivor's search efforts, he was unable to locate the other two men, who were identified as brothers aged 66 and 67.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.

The missing men's vehicle was discovered on a Forest Service road, prompting the Clackamas County Search Rescue team to respond. However, the rescue operation was complicated by rapidly diminishing daylight and treacherous conditions on the river, including high water levels, fast currents, and cold water. The search continued overnight and into Saturday morning, with assistance from Mountain Wave Search Rescue, a Hood River County Sheriff's Office aircraft, and drones. Despite the efforts of the search and rescue team, the missing brothers were not found.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office is warning people to exercise caution when on the Clackamas River due to the hazardous conditions and is reminding the public that Austin Hot Springs is private property and is closed to the public. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of outdoor activities, particularly those involving water. It is crucial for anyone engaging in recreational activities on or near the water to take all necessary precautions, including wearing appropriate safety gear and being aware of the surrounding conditions.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has not released the names of the missing brothers, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.