Canoe flipping incident on the Nehalem River leads to man's death

A 49-year-old man died after drowning in the Nehalem River while canoeing with a woman, who was unable to save him due to the force of the water.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A 49-year-old man is dead after drowning in the Nehalem River downstream from the Miami-Foley bridge in Tillamook County, officials said.

The man had been canoeing in the river with a woman on June 6 when the pair hit something in the water and flipped sideways, according to Tillamook County sheriff's deputies.

“The woman started to swim to shore, but when she looked back, the male was face-down in the water, not moving,” Deputy Dennis Greiner said. “She went back to get him and bring him to shore”

Residents heard the woman’s cry for help, called 911 and attempted to perform CPR until emergency officials could arrive. However, the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputy Greiner said life vests should be worn or accessible at all times when on the water, regardless of how experienced you are.

"Even though you might be a lifelong boater or expert swimmer, one never knows what might happen when you hit the water during a boating incident,” Greiner said.