Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon reports yesterday at 1:59 p.m., his deputies responded to the report of an unconscious female in the water at Lewis Creek Park east of Sweet Home. The caller reported the female had not been seen in minutes and multiple people were searching for her.
Deputies learned Courtney Anderson, 36, of Eugene was on a paddleboard near the designated swim area at Lewis Creek Park when she slipped off trying to help a child. Anderson was not wearing a life jacket at the time she entered the water. Anderson remained under water for several minutes until other swimmers located her and pulled her to the surface. Anderson was lifted onto a Linn County Sheriff’s Office boat and transferred to Sweet Home Medics who transported her to the Lebanon Community Hospital where she was later pronounced deceased.
Any witnesses who left prior to being interviewed are encouraged to call Deputy Stuart Spangler at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office (541) 967-3950.