Hagg Lake residents 'pray for death-free year'

HAGG LAKE, Ore. (KOIN) -- The drowning death of a 32-year-old man in Hagg Lake over the weekend is the latest in a series of deaths at the Washington County park. It doesn't get any easier on those living nearby at homes within the park.

Linda Sherman, who lives nearby, said she's become accustomed to the sirens.

"The sirens come, and we know there's something dangerous going on here," she told KOIN 6 News.

The search for Vielman Mijail De La Cruz-Lopez, began around 7:10 p.m. He jumped off the pier, came to the surface and then struggled to swim before going under again. De La Cruz-Lopez was not found in the immediate search. A recovery effort began with help from the Dive Team of the Lake Oswego Fire Department and officials said his body was located around 9:30 p.m.

The frequent deaths at Hagg Lake take a toll on neighbors like Steve Pringles.

"I think the swimming in the safety aspect is it's just becoming a huge deal," Pringles said. "I mean, we pray every year for a death-free year."

Those who live around the lake said they've seen a big increase in visitors over the last few years. But under all the water is actually an old town, which makes the lake very unpredictable.

"So all of a sudden you go out thinking you're on solid ground and there's a 40-foot drop-off," Sherman said.

Another resident there said she'd like to see the county create safe areas that are roped off and designated for children.

"That's my worry -- is the little children that just go in there and they don't put their lifejackets on," Pauline Gray said.

In recent years, Washington County started providing life vests but they're optional. Though the sheriff's deputies patrol the lake, neighbors say there's need for more safety enforcement.

This latest drowning comes as residents said the county plans to expand from just day-use to allowing overnight camping -- increasing concern this most recent death won't be the last.

"I would like to see the park manage this better now before they take it to the next level," Sherman said. "But there needs to be, a measure of safety for the residents and the people here."

KOIN 6 News contacted the county about the neighbors increasing safety concerns at the park.

"We were saddened to hear about this incident and our hearts go out to the friends and family of the individual who passed away," responded Philip Bransford, Washington County's spokesperson. "We take safety very seriously at Scoggins Valley Park, but it is important to remember that people use the park at their own risk. We are still gathering the facts in this case and will not be in a place to comment further at this time."

The neighbors argue the county is already unable to respond to water hazards. They're concerned the county won't be able to respond to the fire risk overnight camping will bring.