Searchers Find Body of Drowning Victim Anthony Jimenez

The Willamette River is an unforgiving adversary, year after year.

Anthony Jimenez, from McMinnville, Oregon. Photo: Facebook

(DAYTON, Ore.) - After over three days and sleepless nights, the family and friends of Anthony Jimenez need look no more. Wednesday morning at approximately 9:40 AM, the body of 20-year old Anthony Jimenez was recovered from the Willamette River. It was a somber discovery, though expected.

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol deputies found the body in the area of San Salvador Island, about 3/4 of a mile downriver from where Jimenez and two others were attempting to swim across the river on Sunday afternoon, June 30, 2013.

Yamhill County search teams

Anthony and his two friends, Kevin Judson and Derek Angel were spending a leisurely day at the "Donkey Ponds", a popular swimming hole just outside of Dayton, off of Southeast Dorey Road. The hot summer day brought throngs of locals to the river, a much anticipated destination for many trying to cool off that weekend.

The three young men attempted to swim across the Willamette River late Sunday afternoon.

They apparently did not anticipate the strength of the current. Derek Angel was the only one to successfully make it across. Jimenez and Judson were noticeably struggling to swim in the fast moving water.

People watching nearby responded as the swimmers shouted for help. Two men attempted to get to them but as they rescued Judson, Anthony Jimenez disappeared.

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol and Patrol Deputies responded to the scene Sunday evening and were later joined in the search by a dive team from Newberg Dive Rescue and the Dayton Fire Dept.

The "donkey ponds" Photo: Google

The search continued unsuccessfully for two days. On Monday evening, the family made a request via facebook that people not go out to the donkey ponds to help, as too many people and vehicles in the water could reduce the chances of finding Anthony.

The Sheriff's Office took it a step further and decided to close the ponds to the public on Tuesday, but they found nothing.

Once again, Wednesday morning the search resumed and with a great sense of relief, Sheriff Crabtree was able to announce that the victim was located.

"The recovery does bring some closure for the family," Sheriff Jack Crabtree said. "It's been a long stretch of time for the family."

"I am thankful that this situation has concluded and that our Marine Patrol Deputies discovered the victim," said Sheriff Jack Crabtree. "That was good it was our boat that made the discovery, it's a tough deal when a fisherman or someone else does that."

"I would like to thank Newberg Dive Team, Polk County Sheriff's Marine Patrol, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue K-9 team, Yamhill County Sheriff's Air Posse. The Fox 12 News Helicopter Crew, and Anthony's family for their participation and support throughout the past 4 days."

Bonnie King has been Publisher of Salem-News.com since August '04. She is a photographer and video producer, writer, editor and mother, which she considers her greatest position. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER).

Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers and readers alike. An lifetime activist for just causes, she continues to strive to present facts that support Truth, Justice and Peace, as we are in the world to change the world for the better. "TJP"

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