California Man Drowns in the Santiam River
The Little North Fork is a Popular Recreational Area
(LYONS, Ore) — Thursday afternoon about 2:00 pm, emergency services were dispatched to North Fork Park along the Little North Fork of the Santiam River in Marion County.
The reports were that a swimmer had gone underwater and did not resurface.
The Marion County Sheriff’s office told Salem News Journal that prior to emergency services arriving on scene, bystanders were able to get the adult swimmer out of the water.
When emergency responders from Lyons Fire District and Stayton Fire District arrived they found the victim unresponsive.
They attempted to resuscitate the man, but tragically he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased swimmer as Baltazar Tellovelasco, 29, of Oxnard, California.
Deputies say Tellovelasco had gone into the water to assist his 12-year-old daughter who appeared to be in distress.
She was able to make it out safely however, Tellovelasco was not able to return to shore.
The Little North Fork of the Santiam River is a popular recreational area in the Santiam Canyon.
Even on warm days, the water is very cold, swift, and can be deeper than anticipated by swimmers.
Swimmers should always exercise caution by following some simple steps.
Never swim alone, avoid alcohol and marijuana around the water, wear a lifejacket, know how to perform CPR, and know how and where you can call 911.
Remember that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the North Fork area of the Santiam River.
However there are 911 call boxes located on the outside wall of the Elk Horn Fire Station and at the entrance to Salmon Falls Park.
