Search and recovery efforts at Dillon Falls continued this week for a man swept over Dillon Falls on July 19. Two women died in the same incident. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office says swift water experts worked in and around Class 5 rapids, tethered to safety systems while navigating hazardous conditions near the waterfalls. Professional divers conducted searches downstream, while highly trained K-9 units were used each day to help identify areas of interest. Crews also deployed sonar, side-scan equipment, and drones to aid in locating clues from both above and below the surface.
Six people were floating the Deschutes River on inner tubes tethered together. Three were able to jump off the tubes before they went over Dillon Falls which has a 15-foot drop into Class 5 rapids with rocks, logs and other debris. 40-year old Amanda Lloyd of Rockwall, Texas and 33- year old Lindsay Bashan of Parkland, Florida died.
K-9 teams were back in the field this week, actively searching both sides of the Deschutes River. They are trained to detect human scent in and around moving water, helping to guide where search efforts are focused. Drones continue being used to gather updated aerial perspectives and identify any changes in the landscape that could support the search effort. Swift water search crews used technical rope systems in the challenging terrain and dangerous currents
which requires extensive experience and coordination.
As of Tuesday, July 29, the Sheriff’s Office says search operations will continue using various resources within and outside the agency as appropriate. Deputies remain in daily contact with the victim’s family which has requested continued privacy while search operations continue.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 24, 2025.
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