A relaxing afternoon on the Willamette River turned tragic Sunday when a 67-year-old Eugene man drowned near Springfield, even though he was wearing a lifejacket. The incident is a heartbreaking reminder that lifejackets alone don’t guarantee safety—especially when rivers are running high or have hidden dangers below the surface.
What Happened at Clearwater Landing?
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called around 2 p.m. Sunday to Clearwater Landing, a popular river access spot in Springfield, Oregon. A man had reportedly fallen off an innertube into the Willamette River and did not resurface.
Rescue crews, including deputies and Eugene Springfield Fire, quickly arrived on the scene and located the man underwater. They pulled him out and attempted life-saving efforts, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victim Identified as Eugene Resident
Authorities later identified the victim as Luke John Poulin, a 67-year-old resident of Eugene. According to investigators, he was wearing a lifejacket, but it got caught in submerged branches, which prevented him from floating back to the surface.
This tragic accident shows that underwater hazards can still be deadly—even when the person is following basic safety precautions.
River Safety: Why Extra Caution Is Needed
Local officials are urging the public to stay extra alert while enjoying the water, especially over busy holiday weekends. Even experienced swimmers and cautious paddlers can run into problems in Oregon’s fast-moving rivers.
Here are a few key reminders for river safety:
Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket
Avoid tubing or swimming near downed trees or low-hanging branches
Stay in groups and keep an eye on each other
Be aware of strong currents, even in calm-looking sections
Use caution near riverbanks, where footing can be unstable
Spring and early summer flows can be deceptively strong due to snowmelt or recent rain, and visibility underwater is often poor, making rescue difficult.
No Further Details Released
As of now, no additional information has been released by the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say they hope this tragic incident will serve as a warning to others heading out to local waterways.
This heartbreaking event reminds us all that nature’s beauty also comes with risk, and extra caution can make all the difference—especially when conditions are unpredictable.
