Patient Taken by Life Flight to OHSU After Diving Accident on the Sandy River

According to witnesses and civilian rescuers, the man dove from about a grassy area about ten feet over the river and when he surfaced appeared to be unconscious.

Gresham Fire Personnel, Corbett Fire Personnel and AMR Personnel effecting the care and transport of Ramos. Photos courtesy: Jason Gates/Multnomah Sheriff

(SANDY, Ore.) - Police say an adult male patient was transported to OHSU via Life Flight after from injuries that he sustained in a diving accident on the Sandy River.

The area the incident occurred is a popular diving spot across the Sandy River from Dabney State Park. Investigators say there are no indicators that drugs or alcohol were involved.

23-year old Fernando Ramos and 23-year old Abner Dobon had gone to Dabney State Park Sunday evening to swim. Ramos, who had reportedly been visiting Dobon from Seattle, is unfamiliar with the swimming area along this stretch of the Sandy River.

Shortly after arriving at the park both men swan across the river to an area of steep cliffs and rocks directly across from the park.

According to witnesses and civilian rescuers, the man dove from about a grassy area about ten feet over the river and when he surfaced appeared to be unconscious.

Dodon, seeing his friend was in distress, dove into the water to attempt rescue.

Watching the event unfold from the opposite bank, a witness named Kris Gil-Knight also dove into the water after Ramos. Dobon and Gil-Knight were able to get him out of the water while another bystander called 911.

Receiving the call at 7:51 PM Gresham Fire, Corbett Fire and Multnomah County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene.

Gresham Fire put their rescue boat in the water to transport medics to the area where Ramos was now conscious, on an island between Dabney Park and the incident location.

Information received from witnesses and deputies on scene indicated that Ramos appeared to have numbness and lack of feeling from his chest area down.

Fire and medical personnel prepared Ramos for transport, took him to an awaiting ground transport AMR ambulance, and transported him to Springdale. Ramos was then transferred to Life Flight and transported to OHSU where his condition has not yet been released. No drugs or alcohol were involved in this accident. Lt. Jason Gates with the Multnomah Sheriff's Office says that in this incident, "the quick thinking and courage of the rescuers resulted in saving Ramos' life. Without taking away from the bravery exhibited by these men and this successful outcome it is necessary to stress that often times the rescuers in these types of incidents also become victims. Swift water rescue is a highly technical and arduous undertaking and the MCSO would not recommend engaging in rescue activities of this nature without having the proper training and skill level to do so."

He says the area in which Ramos was hurt is a popular swimming and diving area in which the MCSO has investigated numerous injury accidents and deaths in past years.

"Last year we investigated one diving death and one swimming death in this area. We do not recommend diving off rocks or other structures associated with the Sandy River at all. The bottom conditions are constantly changing." Hazards include moving rocks, sand bars, submerged tress, and known deep diving areas may now be obstructed.

Gates notes that diving off bridges (Stark Street Bridge and Troutdale Bridge and Railroad Bridge) is illegal (Class A Violation = $427.00 Fine).

"Know your abilities before you swim in cold swift water such as the Sandy River."