One Dead, Two Missing After Group Goes Over Central Oregon Waterfall

Bend, Oregon- A large-scale search and rescue operation is ongoing after six people went over Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River west of Bend on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Emergency dispatchers received a report at approximately 2:57 p.m., prompting a coordinated response from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Bend Fire & Rescue, and the sheriff’s Search and Rescue (SAR) unit. The Bend Police Department deployed drones to assist in the operation, and an AirLink helicopter conducted an aerial search of the river.

Three individuals were rescued from the water and transported by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. One person was confirmed dead at the scene. Two others remain missing as of Saturday evening.

Rescue crews continued searching into the evening hours, working until sunset. Authorities said operations would pause overnight and resume at first light if necessary.

The identities of the deceased and those rescued have not been released, pending notification of next of kin.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the support of multiple partner agencies and said additional updates would be released as more information becomes available.

7/20/25 Update:

Bend, Oregon– Search and rescue crews resumed operations at 8 a.m. Sunday morning as the search continues for two individuals still missing after Saturday’s incident at Dillon Falls on the Deschutes River, west of Bend.

Two drones were deployed early in the day by the Bend Police Department to assist in the search, working in coordination with swiftwater rescue teams. Three K9 teams joined the effort, supporting marine patrol boats during a three-hour search of the area downstream from Dillon Falls.

Fifteen swiftwater rescue team members conducted targeted searches of high-interest areas identified by drone imagery and visual reconnaissance.

Recovery operations continued throughout the day, and efforts are scheduled to resume Monday. Authorities have not released any additional information regarding the identities of the missing individuals.

7/21/2025 UPDATE LINK

7/22/2025 UPDATE LINK