Columbia River Search Suspended After Man Saves Drowning Child

by | Jul 28, 2025 | News

Share This Article

A Sunday evening at Wintler Park in Vancouver turned tragic after a man disappeared in the Columbia River following a heroic rescue.

According to Fox 12 Oregon, the Vancouver Fire Department says a 54-year-old man entered the river around 8:48 p.m. to help a 5-year-old child who was struggling to stay afloat. Witnesses say the man was able to reach the child and bring them to safety—but then he went under and never resurfaced.

First responders quickly launched an intensive search effort. Vancouver Fire, Clark County Fire District 6, Portland Fire & Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard were all dispatched to the scene. In total, 23 emergency personnel, including rescue swimmers and two fire boats, scoured the area.

Despite their efforts, the search was suspended around 10:39 p.m. The man’s name has not yet been released.

While the child is safe thanks to the man’s selfless actions, the community is left mourning the unknown hero who gave everything to save a life.


Share This Article

Written By Tyler James

Tyler James, founder of That Oregon Life, is a true Oregon native whose love for his state runs deep. Since the inception of the blog in 2013, his unbridled passion for outdoor adventures and the natural beauty of Oregon has been the cornerstone of his work. As a father to two beautiful children, Tyler is always in pursuit of new experiences to enrich his family’s life. He curates content that not only reflects his adventures but also encourages others to set out and create precious memories in the majestic landscapes of Oregon. Tyler's vision and guidance are integral to his role as publisher and editor, shaping the blog into a source of inspiration for exploring the wonders of Oregon.

Related Articles

Report: Some People Are Dying

Report: Some People Are Dying

In what experts are calling “technically not new, but still sort of a bummer,” reports are surfacing that some people, in fact, are dying. The revelation has stunned absolutely no one, yet continues to be treated as breaking news by local relatives who “can’t believe...

Portland Man Killed After Hitting Pothole on E-Scooter

Portland Man Killed After Hitting Pothole on E-Scooter

PORTLAND, Ore. – A Portland family is mourning the loss of Randy Phelps, who was taken off life support last week after suffering critical injuries in an e-scooter crash caused by a pothole in Southeast Portland, in a report from FOX 12 Oregon. The accident happened...

X