Missing Man Found Safe on Santiam River Near Jefferson

A good story in the mix of several recent drowning tragedies, this 24-year old man opted for safety.

Yastrop spent the night on a bank of the Santiam River Photo courtesy: USGS

(JEFFERSON) - A 24-year old Albany man is safe and sound after spending an evening stranded on a riverbank.

Elaine Parrott with Jefferson Fire says it began at approximately 6:30 PM Monday, when four adults began a downriver float at Green Bridge Rd. and Jefferson Scio Rd. east of Jefferson.

"They were floating down the river on inner tubes but were not wearing life jackets. Just before the confluence of the north and south Santiam River, the water became too shallow and the party walked a short ways and got back in the river."

Three of the tube riders began floating and lost sight of their friend, 24-year old Brent Yastrop, not knowing if he stayed behind or if he actually got back in the water. The group floated the rest of the way to the Jefferson boat ramp and waited, says Parrott.

At approximately 3:00 AM Tuesday morning, they decided to notify authorities that their friend was missing.

Water rescue teams from Jefferson and Albany searched for the missing man on the Santiam River early Tuesday. Marion and Linn County Sheriff's personnel searched the bank while water rescue team members searched the river.

According to Division Chief Troy Jurgens of the Jefferson Fire District, Brent was located by the Jefferson Water Rescue Team at approximately 5:30 AM, cold and tired.

Yastrop said that he had started back on the water, lost his inner tube, and made it back to shore. Since he was barefoot and his way out was through blackberries and brush, he decided to stay where he was and wait for help.