Two separate incidents in the Willamette River resulted in drownings last week, prompting the Lane County Sheriff’s Office to issue a safety reminder for recreation in local waterways.
On July 18 at about 3:20 p.m., deputies and Oakridge Fire personnel responded to a call about a drowning near Black Canyon Campground. A caller reported that his 26-year-old son, Justin Daniel Brudvig of Oregon City, had been pulled from the water and was not breathing. Bystanders performed CPR until firefighters arrived, but despite efforts to revive him, Brudvig did not survive. He was paddleboarding without a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
On July 14 at approximately 4:40 p.m., LCSO Marine Patrol deputies received a report of a water rescue in the Willamette River. A group floating on the river encountered a snag, and one member went missing. Eugene Springfield Fire and Rescue located 26-year-old Ervan Dominick Lucia of Harrisburg face down in the water. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, where he later died. The investigation revealed Lucia was also paddleboarding without a lifejacket and was tethered to his board.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to wear a properly fitting lifejacket when using waterways and to use only a breakaway tether if attaching to watercraft. Always stay sober and avoid getting in the water alone.
Adult-in-custody charged for new assault while in jail
On July 16 at about 8 p.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies inside the jail responded to an assault. The suspect, Jesse Owen Spencer, while out of his cell for dayroom activities, attacked another adult in custody, seemingly without provocation.
The assault was witnessed by staff, and deputies quickly intervened. Although the assault was promptly interrupted, the victim suffered significant injuries and was ultimately transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Spencer was taken into custody for the new crimes and re-housed in a more restrictive location inside the Lane County Jail. He was charged with Assault in the second degree; Strangulation; Unlawful use of a weapon; and Disorderly conduct in the second degree.
Missing Springfield man found safe
On July 20 at about 7:15 p.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a family that an elderly male left on a scooter, without his necessary medication. At about 8:25 p.m., the man was located along the bike path near the 2100-block of 37th Place. The man was evaluated by paramedics before being reunited with family.
