PORTLAND, Ore. — A man died after drowning in the Tualatin River at Jurgens Park Sunday afternoon, according to Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
On Monday, Washington County Sheriff's Office identified the man as 42-year-old Jeremiah Joshua Baldwin. He was swimming with his child when he went underwater and did not resurface, officials said.
At around 5:42 p.m. on Sunday, rescue crews from multiple agencies, including Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, Lake Oswego Fire, Tualatin Police, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and American Medical Response, responded to calls.
The agencies used dive teams, drones and boats to search the water and reported other swimmers were assisting in the search. At around 6:17 p.m., Tualatin Fire crews, using underwater cameras, located Baldwin's body in murky waters not far from where he was last seen.
Firefighters brought him ashore where he was checked by paramedics who pronounced him dead on the scene.
An initial investigation indicates that Baldwin was not wearing a life jacket and struggled to stay above water while helping his child stay afloat, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said. Community members helped bring the child to safety after Baldwin went underwater.
Officials encourage anyone who goes in the water to prioritize safety. They recommend that everyone wear a life jacket, check water conditions before getting in, always pair up with a buddy and obey all posted signs and warnings.
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