A man who was trying to save his daughter in the Little North Fork of the Santiam River drowned at North Fork Park.
It happened Thursday around 2 p.m.
It was reported a swimmer had gone underwater and did not resurface.
Prior to emergency services arriving on scene, bystanders were able to get the man out of the water. Emergency responders from Lyons Fire District and Stayton Fire District took extensive efforts to attempt to resuscitate the man, but he died at the scene.
He's identified as 29-year-old Baltazar Tellovelasco, of Oxnard, California.
Deputies learned Tellovelasco had gone into the water to assist his 12-year-old daughter who appeared to be in distress. She was able to make it out safely; however, Tellovelasco was not able to return to shore.
The Little North Fork of the Santiam River is a popular recreational area in the Santiam Canyon. Even on warm days, the water remains very cold, swift, and can be deeper than anticipated by swimmers. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office suggests swimmers exercise caution by following some simple steps:
• Never swim alone
• Avoid alcohol and marijuana around the water
• Wear a lifejacket
• Know how to perform CPR
• Know how and where you can call 911
The Sheriff’s Office reminds visitors there is very little to no cell phone reception in the North Fork area of the Santiam River. There are two 911 call boxes located on the outside wall of the Elk Horn Fire Station and at the entrance to Salmon Falls Park.