Man Dies While Rescuing Swimmers

John Steven Rae died saving the lives of three others.

Salem-News.com

(DETROIT) - A 59-year old man from Crabtree, Oregon died Sunday afternoon while successfully rescuing three swimmers who were in distress. John Steven Rae was able to help them to shore, but slipped underwater after completing the third rescue. It happened at the Three Pools Recreation Area in the North Fork recreation area of the Santiam River around 2:00 PM. According to the deputy on scene, Mr. Rae noticed three females, one 20-year old, one 15-year old, and one nine-year old, who had jumped into the lower falls area of three pools. This area has an extreme under tow and leads to a cut out under the upper rocks. Mr. Rae immediately jumped into the water and helped lift the three girls out to people waiting on the rocks. During the rescue of the oldest female, Mr. Rae slipped beneath the water and was not seen from again. Several people in that area jumped into the water as well to attempt a rescue for Mr. Rae but they were unable to locate him. Jefferson Fire Department`s water rescue team and the Albany Fire Department dive teams were dispatched to the area and eventually ended up recovering Mr. Rae`s body in the swift water. Since 2003, Marion County Sheriff`s office has average of one to two accidental drowning deaths a year. The Three Pools area of the North Fork is a very popular swimming area, which can attract hundreds of people looking to cool off from the summer heat. `Tragically the Sheriff`s office and the US Forest Service respond to many calls for service in this area involving water accidents", says Marion County Sheriff`s Office Lt. Troy Clausen. `The Sheriff`s office would like to remind all persons recreating in these areas to use caution around the water ways, wear life vests whenever possible, know your swimming abilities, keep watch of your children and don`t mix alcohol with swimming."