University of Oregon Student Drowned at Tamolitch Falls

Popular swimming spot claims life...

(ALBANY) - The Linn County Sheriff's Office reports that a 21 year old University of Oregon student has drowned in east Linn County.

The victim is identified as 21 year old Alex James Rovello from Portland, Oregon, a student at the University of Oregon. Alex was also a member of the U of O Tennis Team.

On May 11, at about 2:00 pm, Linn County Emergency Dispatch was notified by Lane County 911 that they had received a telephone call requesting assistance rescuing a man who had jumped into a body of water and had not surfaced.

Further information revealed the man had jumped into what's known as Blue Pool from the 60' cliff at Tamolitch Falls.

Tamolitch Falls/Blue Pool is located in Linn County about two miles north of Trail Bridge Campground, on Hwy 126 near the Lane County border.

Witnesses told deputies it appeared Rovello hit the water with his face and upper chest. Several attempts by friends and bystanders to save him were unsuccessful due to the depth of the victim and frigid 37F degree water.

There is no cell phone service in the area and a witness had to run over two miles before he was able to get service and call 9-1-1 for help.

Deputies from both Linn and Lane Counties responded and found the victim deceased at the bottom of Blue Pool, about 30 to 40 feet from the surface.

Dive Teams and Search and Rescue Teams from Linn and Lane Counties, Linn County Sheriff's Mounted Posse, Eugene Mountain Rescue, and Corvallis Mountain Rescue responded to recover the victim and worked until after midnight.

Alcohol did not appear to be a factor in the drowning.

Mr. Rovello's body was transported by Fisher Funeral Home in Albany pending further arrangements.