Family of missing Dillon Falls victim supports official search and asks volunteer diver to step back amid misinformation concerns. Authorities continue efforts to recover the final missing individual.
As the search continues for the last missing person swept over Dillon Falls near Bend, Oregon last weekend, the family of the victim has spoken out through a statement, offering praise for official search efforts and addressing the involvement of a volunteer diver.
Mother Of Victim Asks People Not To Spread False Information, Not To Speculate
The statement comes in response to growing public interest and commentary surrounding the case, particularly from Juan Heredia, a California-based volunteer diver who traveled to Bend intending to assist. Heredia, known for his recovery work in other high-profile cases, said he left after being told by sheriff's deputies that the river was closed and that he might be arrested if he touched the water. He later shared his frustration on social media in written and video format, questioning the approach of the ongoing search and stating that the conditions were ideal for a swift dive recovery.
Heredia’s public comments have brought a storm of upset responses from people on Facebook, wanting to know why he was turned away from helping with the search, and prompted a direct response from the missing individual’s mother, who emphasized her family’s full trust in the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the trained search and rescue professionals overseeing the operation. According to her statement, the family has been in regular communication with the agency since the beginning and has been grateful for the extensive efforts of both staff and volunteers.
The mother asked that Heredia no longer make public statements or attempt to participate in the search. She described the situation as more complex than many realize and urged the public not to speculate or spread misinformation that could distract from the mission of bringing her child home.
Two of three of the missing individuals from the accident have been recovered. The remaining search efforts have focused on a particularly challenging stretch of the Deschutes River, involving swift water teams and specially trained canines. Authorities have reiterated that only personnel directly involved with the coordinated effort are allowed in the search area while a recovery operation is active.
Despite Heredia’s intentions, the Sheriff’s Office has maintained a consistent stance that all recovery operations must follow safety protocols and be conducted by trained team members. Officials declined to comment on Heredia’s specific claims about being turned away.
For the family, the priority remains clear. In the midst of unimaginable grief, they are asking for privacy and respect, and hope the focus remains on the continued work of those still out on the water, doing everything they can to bring closure.
