Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports on July 19, his Deputies responded to a rescue at Tamolitch Falls off Highway 126. At about 6:13 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received the report of a male jumping into the water and had not surfaced.
Numerous resources responded to the scene to include Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Deschutes Mountain Rescue, McKenzie Fire, Sweet Home Medics, and Life Flight. Pavan Vemuleti, 28, was jumping off the rock ledges in the area when he did not surface for minutes after his last jump. Vemuleti was pulled to shore where he was carried out of the area and transferred to Life Flight. Vemuleti was flown to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend where he was treated and released on July 20.
Commonly referred to as Blue Pool, Tamolitch Falls has been an increasing tourist attraction. People from many different states and countries are attracted to the remote area, 53 miles east of Sweet Home. In the last two months, there has been over 10 rescues requested at Tamolitch Falls. Emergency services are delayed with these remote areas with no cell service and difficult terrain. Linn County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in rescues throughout the county, to include Tamolitch Falls, and is asking the public to take precautions when visiting the area.