News

News Release from Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
Posted on FlashAlert: June 19th, 2017 11:21 AM

Deputies have identified yesterday's drowning victim as Kendall Alexander, age 13, of Tigrad. Kendall was an eighth grade student at Fowler Middle School. Kendall was swimming with friends when he drowned after being swept down river. Adults swimming with Kendall attempted to reach him but were unsuccessful.

Yesterday's events are tragic and our thoughts are with the Alexander family. Kendall's drowning is the second death since our weather has begun to warm. Areas like the North Fork still have very high, swift and cold water. The Sheriff's Office recommends that any person recreating in open water should be wearing a life vest.

Kendall's family does not wish to release his photograph and they do not want to be contacted by media.


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At 6:15 p.m., the body of the swimmer who drowned early today was recovered by on scene rescue personnel prior to the arrival of the dive team. The Sheriff's Office thoughts are with the family of the victim during this very difficult time. The Sheriff's Office is still not prepared to share the victim's identity or gender, that information will be provided sometime Monday.

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Around 4:15 p.m., deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office and fire personnel were called to the Elkhorn Valley Camp Ground after a 13 year old swimmer went missing. The teen was swimming with friends when they went underwater and did not resurface.

Multiple rescuers are currently on scene assisting the swimmers friends who have become stranded on the opposite bank of the river. A dive team with the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has been requested and is responding to attempt to recover the drowned teen.

There are no further details available at this time. The Sheriff's Office is not currently releasing the name or gender of the missing swimmer until their family can be located and notified. The Sheriff's Office does not anticipate any further release until sometime Monday. Due to the remote nature of this incident there are no images available for this release.

Contact Info:
Primary PIO Phone: 503. 584. MCSO (6276)
Public Information Officer Lt. Chris Baldridge
Cell Phone: 503.930.0579
Email: cbaldridge@co.marion.or.us
On Twitter: @MCSOInTheKnow
www.Facebook.com/MCSOInTheKnow