Final Victim Still Missing After Dillon Falls Incident; Two Victims Identified

Bend, Oregon- Recovery operations remain underway Tuesday in the ongoing search for the final individual missing after six people were swept past the final takeout area at Dillon Falls on Saturday, July 19.

The group had been floating down the Deschutes River on inner tubes tied together when the incident occurred. According to investigators, three members of the group managed to jump from their tubes and reach shore, while the remaining three were carried into the main rapids.

Dillon Falls is a notoriously hazardous section of the Deschutes River, featuring a steep 15-foot drop and classified as a Class 5 rapid. The area is known for its long, violent, and obstructed whitewater sections, filled with rocks, logs, and debris that present significant dangers—even to experienced paddlers.

On Tuesday, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the two confirmed deceased victims:

Amanda Lloyd, born July 16, 1985, of Rockwall, Texas

Lindsay Bashan, born January 3, 1992, of Parkland, Florida

The identity of the third, still-missing individual will be released pending recovery and next-of-kin notification. Names of the three survivors are being withheld to protect their privacy.

Search efforts continue with expanded aerial and ground support. A Life Flight aircraft with a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (SAR) diver is conducting aerial sweeps, while a fixed-wing plane from the Portland Police Bureau is assisting with specialized search cameras. A K-9 unit, including the same dog that located a victim Monday, is also deployed. If the individual is not located today, side-scanning sonar will be utilized for deeper underwater searches.

“This has been a difficult and emotional incident, and we can’t say enough about the professionalism and dedication of our Marine Patrol Unit, Search & Rescue Deputies, and SAR Volunteers,” said Jason Carr, Public Information Officer for the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office. “They have led a coordinated and effective mission under very challenging conditions, and their work has already helped bring answers and closure to two grieving families. We are confident they will continue doing everything possible to locate the final missing individual.”

The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to avoid the Dillon Falls area while recovery operations are active. Officials emphasized that search operations require experience and precise coordination, and public presence could unintentionally interfere or endanger the mission.

With summer recreation in full swing, the Sheriff’s Office is also urging outdoor enthusiasts to take key safety measures when entering Oregon’s rivers and lakes:

Know the water: Understand your route, including safe launch and takeout points. Observe posted signs and warnings. Wear a life jacket: Keep a personal flotation device (PFD) on or readily accessible at all times. Avoid alcohol and drugs: Impairment significantly increases the risk of water-related incidents.

Further information will be released as recovery efforts continue.