Man Drowns Trying to Save Dog at Lincoln City Beach

Huge waves always make the Oregon coast dangerous.

Photo by Tim King KATU/Salem-News.com

(LINCOLN CITY, Ore.) - Police on the Oregon coast say a 72-year old Lake Oswego man died Sunday morning after he was swept out into the ocean while trying to rescue his dog off a Lincoln City-area beach.

Oregon State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings says troopers from the Newport Area Command office are completing the investigation.

This afternoon Hastings stated that the victim is Richard "Bill" William Davis.

Hastings says around 9:00 a.m. this morning, Bill Davis was walking on the beach with his dog at the D River Wayside when he reportedly threw a stick into the water for his dog to retrieve.

"Witnesses stated the dog got caught by a wave and was pulled toward the surf when the victim went to help his dog. Another wave hit the victim and pulled him away from the beach."

A witness attempted to save Mr. Davis, Hastings says, but he was unable to get back to the beach. Witnesses kept visual track of Mr. Davis while emergency responders were notified.

"North Lincoln Fire & Rescue arrived and a rescue swimmer reached the victim, bringing him back to shore where they started CPR. OSP troopers and Lincoln City police arrived during this time. The man's dog was able to get back to shore and survived."

Mr. Davis was transported by Pac West ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where he was pronounced deceased just before 10:00 a.m.

OSP Fish & Wildlife and Patrol Division troopers were on scene gathering witness statements when the victim's son approached them about the incident.

Bill Davis was visiting the Lincoln City area with some family members for the weekend. (Editor's note: This story was modified at 16:31 14 Feb 2010 to reflect the name of the victim.)