Central Point Woman Dies in Flooding Incident

Central Point, Oregon- A Central Point woman died yesterday afternoon after being swept away by floodwaters while attempting to clear debris from a culvert on her property, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). The next-of-kin has been notified, and authorities are withholding the woman’s name to respect the family’s privacy.

JCSO deputies responded to a report of a missing woman on March 16 at 4:21 p.m. in the 5000 block of Kane Creek Road in rural Central Point. According to investigators, the woman was trying to remove branches from a culvert under her driveway when her waterproof overalls filled with water. The swift floodwaters pulled her through the culvert and into nearby Kane Creek.

Jackson County Fire District 3’s swift water Technical Rescue Team responded to the scene. Rescue personnel located the woman approximately 100 yards downstream. She was transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to a local hospital, where medics attempted lifesaving measures. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Authorities warn that this incident highlights the dangers posed by heavy rain and flooding. Residents are advised to stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts during periods of heavy rain. Fast-moving water can erode stream and river banks, making them unstable and hazardous. Floodwaters can also carry debris on and beneath the surface, creating additional risks.

Officials urge residents in flood-prone areas to remain alert and move to higher ground if flooding becomes a threat.