The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man who died after going over Dillon Falls in July as 33-year old Derek Slesinger of Newark, Delaware. He was visiting Central Oregon with five other friends when he and two women went over Dillon Falls while floating on inner tubes. Those women were identified as 39-year old Amanda Loyd of Rockwell, Texas and 33-year old Lindsay Bashan of Parkland, Florida. Slesinger’s body wasn’t found until last week when it was discovered by two kayakers at Lava Island Falls, about two miles downstream from Dillon Falls.
The following is from a news release:
Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert met with Slesinger’s mother. She asked that her family remain out of the public eye but offered heartfelt thanks to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives, and especially the Search and Rescue teams whose efforts she greatly appreciates. She shared that, although the loss has been heartbreaking, she is grateful to finally have closure and the opportunity to honor her son’s life.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Search and Rescue volunteers for their tireless dedication and to the kayakers who came forward when they discovered Derek. Most importantly, we are thankful his family has answers and some measure of closure after weeks of uncertainty. That is what matters most,” said Deschutes County Sheriff Ty Rupert.
The recovery of Slesinger officially ends the search efforts connected to the Dillon Falls tragedy. Since July 19, Search and Rescue teams have devoted hundreds of hours to combing the stretch of river around Dillon Falls. Strong currents and Class VI rapids make recovery operations of this nature extremely difficult. Sections of the Deschutes River create additional challenges, with dangerous, unpredictable, and constantly shifting conditions. Slesinger was recovered in swift waters, and how Slesinger came to rest at Lava Island Falls will never be fully known.
“I also want to recognize the many partner agencies that assisted throughout these operations—Bend Fire & Rescue, Bend Police Department, The Portland Police Bureau, Civil Air Patrol, the Oregon State Marine Board, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, AirLink, and Leading Edge Aviation,” added Sheriff Rupert. “These efforts take teamwork, persistence, and coordination across many agencies, and I am proud of everyone who contributed. In the end, it was a combination of that teamwork and two kayakers being in the right place at the right time that allowed us to bring this case to a close.”
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that rivers can be unpredictable and dangerous. It’s essential to plan ahead, know take-out locations on rivers, obey all posted warnings, and always have a life jacket. These steps are critical for anyone recreating on local waterways.
Statement by Derek Slesinger’s Mother, Diana Adames
On behalf of my family, I want to thank the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue, and all of the agencies and people who helped bring closure to this accident.
There have been a lot of rumors about what happened, but the truth is, most people don’t know or understand the whole story. I spent many days out on the river and was treated with such kindness by the Search and Rescue teams. They went above and beyond, spending more time than anyone can imagine searching for my boy. I also want to thank Sheriff Rupert, who kept me updated, took all my calls, and supported me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful to the kayakers who noticed my son in the river and came forward.
We may never know exactly where Derek was all this time or why he ended up downriver. None of that matters to me. What matters is that I can finally bring my son home, let him rest in peace, and close this chapter.
I also want to thank community members, like my new friends Piera and Kerri, who embraced, supported, and showed me kindness. Local businesses stepped up, such as Hook & Plow, Dear Mom Cafe, Still Vibrato, Donner Flower Shop, and 10 Barrel, who were so good to me. I’ll never forget it. They showed me the wonderful side of humanity.
As my family and I bring Derek home, I ask that our privacy be respected so we can say goodbye and let him rest in peace. Please know that my gratitude to this community, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, its Search & Rescue teams, and everyone who stood by me is heartfelt and will remain with me forever.
Diana Adames
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Having floated that portion of the river between the Slough and Dillon many times, the warning take out sign before Dillon falls needs to be updated – it says 1/4 mile but is in reality about 100 yards … I am glad the young man is now going home to rest, and thank you to all the rescuers who can now also rest.