Distressed Swimmer Dies After Detroit Lake Rescue

Our deepest condolences to the young man's family, and friends.

18-year old Cody Ellingsworth was a senior at Sprague high school. Photo: Marion Co. Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore.) - Marion County Sheriff's Deputies and Fire Personnel responded to a call of a distressed swimmer on Detroit Lake near Blowout road about 3:00 p.m. Saturday.

Police say an 18-year old male was attempting to swim across the river with a group of friends. When the friends looked back they had lost sight of him, but quickly found him and helped pull him from the water.

CPR was started immediately and he was eventually transported to an area hospital via Life Flight.

18-year old Cody Ellingsworth has been identified as the young man involved in yesterday's incident at Detroit Lake.

We are sorry to announce Cody died as a result of the drowning.

Cody was a senior at Sprague high school and was set to graduate in a couple of weeks. School officials have been notified. Please keep Cody's family (and friends) in your thoughts and prayers.

With the warming weather The Sheriff's Office is asking swimmers to know your swimming ability and the safest measure is always to use a life preserver when swimming in open waters.

Source: News Release from Marion Co. Sheriff's Office