Drowning Claims Dayton Youth

File Photo of Yamhill County Search and Rescue

(DAYTON) - A 14 year old Dayton teen died Friday evening after trying to cross the Yamhill River at the Dayton Boat Ramp. Shortly before 8:45 PM, Tony Torres and another 13 year old Dayton youth decided to swim across the Yamhill River to the opposite shore. Partially across, Torres grew tired. The other called to him to float. Removing some clothing, the 13 year old made it across and scrambled up the steep embankment. The other disappeared into the river in the gathering twilight.

Yamhill County Sheriff's deputies along with the Oregon State Police, Dayton, McMinnville and Newberg Fire Department apparatus and personnel quickly responded to the scene. Yamhill County Crime Victim Assistance personnel and the Dayton Fire Department chaplain assisted family members.

At 9:52 PM, members of the Newberg Water Rescue Team recovered Torres` body, which was located in 5-8 feet of water. Temperature of the water was 60 degrees.

The other juvenile was transported to McMinnville Hospital where he received treatment for hypothermia.

News of the unfolding tragedy quickly spread throughout the tight knit community, with fellow Dayton Middle School students congregating at the entrance to the boat ramp. School counselors at the scene provided grief counseling.

Torres` body was taken to Macy and Son Funeral Directors in McMinnville.

Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree responded to the scene, and expressed his condolences to the family and concern for other swimmers. `Our hearts go out to the Torres family at this time of great tragedy" Crabtree said. `We thank the many firefighters, rescue personnel and citizens who assisted my Deputies in conducting this search".

Sheriff Crabtree asked that young swimmers always wear life jackets, and never enter the water without adult supervision. `It is springtime, and with the warmer weather, many will turn to the water. Our rivers, however, are still extremely cold, and full of logs, limbs, and other obstructions that can catch on unwary swimmers. We want to remind all swimmers, no matter what their age, that it is easy to slip on rocks, be swept under overhanging limbs, develop cramps or become exhausted" Crabtree said, a summer outing can quickly turn to tragedy".