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Man drowns in river near Lakeside, Oregon


Coos County Sheriff's Office, March 18, 2020. (SBG)
Coos County Sheriff's Office, March 18, 2020. (SBG)
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LAKESIDE, Ore. - A 69-year-old man who tried to cross a river last week got caught in the current and drowned, the Coos County Sheriff's Office said.

Deputies responded to a report May 7 at 3:43 p.m. of a possible drowning behind the Dunes Mobile Ranch.

Searchers took to the water and shore to look for Larry Ray Gabbard, to no avail. A Coast Guard helicopter, the Coos County search and rescue team and a dive team from Bandon Fire joined the search.

Gabbards body was found not far from where he was last seen.

"The investigation revealed that Mr. Gabbard and some friends were improving a fishing area nearby. Mr. Gabbard had seen a log across the creek which he intended to use as an improvement to their project," the sheriff's office said. "Mr. Gabbard tied a rope to his belt loop and attempted to cross the river. At that time of that day, there was a strong outgoing tide. Mr. Gabbard was not able to swim against the current. When Mr. Gabbard’s friends tried to pull him back in, his belt loop broke and he was caught by the current."

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