Update:
Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies recovered the body of Jose Miguel Pascual, 21, near Dabney State Park just after 2 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Pascual was last seen swimming in the Sandy River at the state park on Tuesday, June 29. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death at a later date.
Specially trained volunteers with Trauma Intervention Program (TIP NW) responded and provided emotional aid, support and resources to Pascual’s family.
MCSO’s River Patrol Unit wants to remind people to swim where lifeguards are present and to wear a life jacket while swimming or boating. Life jackets are available at Glenn Otto Park and M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp.
Original release:
On Tuesday afternoon, around 4:30 p.m. Multnomah County dispatch received a report of a missing swimmer. The caller reported that a 21-year-old male, Jose Pascual of Portland, was swimming in the Sandy River at Dabney State Park near Springdale when he went underwater and did not resurface.
Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded, along with firefighters from Corbett and Gresham Fire Departments. Upon arrival, first responders noted the Sandy River was discolored due to significant glacial runoff from Mount Hood. Rescue swimmers entered the water and began searching for the missing man. However, rescue crews noted zero visibility and exited the water after a brief search for safety reasons. Searchers shifted their efforts and launched a raft and USCG helicopter.
After hours of looking on Tuesday night, Pascual was not found. River conditions on Wednesday prevented MCSO’s dive team from entering the Sandy River to further the search in the water.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone recreating on or near the water this summer to have a life jacket. With significant glacial runoff from Mount Hood, the depths and currents in the Sandy River make conditions dangerous.