Body of Final Victim in Dillon Falls Tragedy Recovered and Identified

Bend, Oregon- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery and identification of the third and final victim from the July 19 incident at Dillon Falls.

On Aug. 27, two kayakers exploring Lava Island Falls on the Deschutes River discovered a body in the rapids downstream from Dillon Falls. Search and Rescue teams, assisted by Bend Fire & Rescue, conducted what officials described as a complex recovery operation in an inaccessible area with swift water. The effort took about five hours to complete.

The Deschutes County Medical Examiner identified the body as Derek Slesinger, 33, of Newark, Delaware. He had been visiting Central Oregon with a group of six friends. Three of them died in the July 19 tragedy, while three others survived. The other victims were identified as Amanda I. Loyd, 39, of Rockwall, Texas, and Lindsay V. Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida.

Following confirmation of Slesinger’s identity, Sheriff Ty Rupert met privately with his mother, Diana Adames, who requested privacy but offered thanks to all involved. She said that although her family’s loss has been devastating, she is grateful to finally have closure.

“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” Rupert said.

The recovery ends the weeks-long search tied to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Search and Rescue teams spent hundreds of hours combing the river’s turbulent stretch. Officials said the area’s Class VI rapids, strong currents and shifting conditions made recovery extremely difficult.

“I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” Rupert added. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”

Slesinger’s mother, Diana Adames, issued a written statement expressing her appreciation for the Sheriff’s Office, rescue teams, and the local community.

“There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story,” Adames wrote. “I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.”

She added that while the circumstances of her son’s recovery may never be fully understood, “What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.”

Adames also thanked community members and local businesses for their kindness during the search.

As she and her family prepare to take Slesinger home, she asked for privacy, saying her gratitude to the community and the agencies involved “will remain with me forever.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that rivers in Central Oregon can be unpredictable and dangerous, urging recreationists to plan ahead, obey posted warnings, know river take-out locations and always wear a life jacket.