GRANTS PASS, Ore. — A rafting incident on the Rogue River on Saturday has claimed the life of a 72-year-old man, according to the Josephine County Sheriff's Office (JCSO).
Witnesses say that Dennis Sanders was rafting down the Rogue River along with family members when they hit a rapid called "Wooldridge." The raft that Sanders occupied struck a rock in the tumult, throwing him and the raft's other occupants into the water.
When family members pulled Sanders from the water, they began giving him CPR. They moved Sanders to the Grave Creek boat ramp and called for medical help, continuing CPR.
When JCSO personnel arrived at the boat ramp, Rural Metro fire personnel were continuing CPR efforts—striving for another 45 minutes to bring Sanders back to consciousness. Sanders could not be resuscitated.
According to JCSO, Sanders' body was released to Chapel of the Valley funeral home and his next of kin was notified.
Sanders was wearing a life jacket during the incident, JCSO says.
