Hillsboro Man Dies While Fishing The Wilson River By Tillamook

HILLSBORO, OR — A man from Hillsboro died while fishing the Wilson River just east of Tillamook. The 41-year-old was with two friends when he fell and was swept away.

The Tillamook County Sheriff's Office says that the friends had been on the river just below Mills Bridge.

The man first had a close call. He was crossing the river to fish the other side from his friends when he stumbled and fell. He was able to regain his footing. A little bit later, he decided to cross back to his friends.

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"He was crossing the river when he reached a deep point, fell over, and got sucked down the river," Tillamook County Sheriff's Deputy Chris Barnett said.

"His friends witnessed the incident and said that he was trying to get back to shore. In that part of the river, the current is actually pushing you away from shore."

The man's friends were unable to get to him and drove for help. When firefighters and medics from Tillamook Ambulance found the man, he was floating face down in the river. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to save him.

"Sometimes there is only so much you can do," Barnett said.

Deputies say that the man was not wearing a flotation device.