The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office reported a Boardman man drowned Sunday, July 16, while fishing in the Columbia River.
According to a press release, the office’s communications center received a 911 call at about 5:45 p.m. July 16 that a male who was fishing from the riverbank near Boardman was swept away into the Columbia River.
Irwin Parcero Perez, 35, of Boardman, was fishing with his cousin when he walked further into the river and slipped completely into the water, according to the MCSO. His cousin could not find him.
The sheriff’s office and several other agencies responded to the scene to help locate the missing angler. In total, seven boats, two drones, two dive rescue teams and one private plane searched for Parcero Perez. Despite all the equipment and personnel, however, they were unsuccessful, and the search was suspended due to darkness.
As of Monday morning, due to high winds on the river, they were unable to launch boats. The search will continue as soon as the weather allows.
The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office in the release stated it “wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Parcero Perez. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.”
The sheriff’s office also advised that this was another sad reminder of the Columbia River’s power and danger. The MCSO recommends life vests even for wading, as the river has unexpected drop-offs and strong currents.
