UMATILLA, OR — August 6, 2025 — A tragic drowning near Warehouse Beach on Highway 730 has claimed the life of 20-year-old Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez, sparking an extensive multi-agency search and recovery operation along the Columbia River.
On the evening of August 3, emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls around 7:46 PM reporting a drowning incident near Warehouse Beach, located at 34560 Highway 730 in Umatilla. Responding deputies and a patrol sergeant quickly arrived at the scene to find that Oropeza Perez had attempted to swim from the east-facing cliffs near the designated swimming area across to the upstream island’s west bank.
Witnesses reported that the young man struggled midway through his swim and was overwhelmed by the river’s strong currents, leading to his drowning. Friends and other beachgoers made immediate attempts to rescue him but were unsuccessful.
Massive Search and Rescue Effort
A coordinated emergency response was launched involving multiple agencies, including the Umatilla Rural Fire Department, Boat 12 crew, United States Army Corps of Engineers Rangers, and Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. Using sonar equipment, rescuers attempted to locate the victim, but as darkness fell, the search was temporarily suspended for safety reasons.
Recovery Operations Resume
The following morning at 8:00 AM, recovery efforts resumed with additional support from the Oregon State Police Marine Patrol, Benton County Sheriff’s Office (Washington) Marine Patrol, and the Umatilla Rural Fire Department. Despite overcast weather and challenging river conditions, teams continued their search using sonar and dive operations.
After identifying a new potential sonar location, the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue team conducted a dive and, at approximately 3:45 PM, successfully recovered the body of Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez from the river.
Community Mourns and Authorities Thank Responders
Officials expressed condolences to the victim’s family and commended the collaborative efforts of all agencies involved. Special recognition was given to the law enforcement and emergency service partners from Umatilla Police Department, Hermiston Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Irrigon Fire Department for their swift and coordinated response.
Safety Warning Issued
Authorities remind the public that swimming in the Columbia River outside designated safe areas can be extremely hazardous due to strong currents, cold water temperatures, and underwater hazards. Visitors to Warehouse Beach and similar locations are urged to exercise extreme caution and observe posted safety warnings.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers present in natural water bodies and the importance of vigilance while enjoying recreational activities.