Deschutes County Authorities Intensify Search for Missing Person at Dillon Falls

Deschutes County authorities are intensifying their search for a missing person at Dillon Falls, employing swift water experts, cadaver dogs, and drones in the ongoing recovery efforts.

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office has announced a temporary reduction in Deschutes River water levels to aid the search. Starting Friday, August 1, irrigation districts will decrease river flows, with reduced levels expected through Monday, August 4. This measure aims to provide swift water teams better access to key locations in the search for the individual who went missing after a rafting accident on July 19. ([rv-times.com](https://rv-times.com/2025/07/31/deschutes-river-level-to-drop-to-aid-search-for-dillon-falls-victim/?utm_source=openai))

The incident involved a group of six individuals who were swept over Dillon Falls, a 15-foot drop classified as a Class 5 rapid, known for its extreme difficulty and hazardous conditions. Three members of the group survived by swimming to shore, while two others, identified as Amanda Loyd, 40, of Rockwall, Texas, and Lindsay Bashan, 33, of Parkland, Florida, were found deceased. The identity of the still-missing person has not been released, pending recovery and family notification. ([ktvz.com](https://ktvz.com/news/accidents-crashes/2025/07/19/third-day-of-recovery-efforts-underway-for-two-people-missing-since-a-fatal-dillon-falls-tubing-accident/?utm_source=openai))

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jason Carr indicated that the missing individual is likely caught in the rapids, making dive operations too dangerous. Instead, search efforts have focused on deploying swift water experts, drone pilots, and cadaver dogs. The dogs have detected human scent below the falls, leading teams to concentrate their search efforts upriver. ([opb.org](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/31/dillon-falls-missing-person-search//?utm_source=openai))

Community members continue to visit the Dillon Falls area, reflecting on the recent tragedy. Visitors like Jules Love from Washington have expressed heightened awareness of the environment's dangers, emphasizing the importance of safety and respect for nature. ([opb.org](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/31/dillon-falls-missing-person-search//?utm_source=openai))

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office remains committed to locating the missing individual and urges the public to exercise caution when engaging in water activities. They emphasize the importance of understanding river conditions, wearing life jackets, and avoiding alcohol and drugs while on the water. ([ktvz.com](https://ktvz.com/news/accidents-crashes/2025/07/19/third-day-of-recovery-efforts-underway-for-two-people-missing-since-a-fatal-dillon-falls-tubing-accident/?utm_source=openai))

As the search continues, authorities ask for the community's support and patience, aiming to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic incident.