Man Dies After Drowning Near Crystal Lake

Man Dies After Drowning Near Crystal Lake

A 51-year-old man, Romail Allen of Albany, died Sunday after drowning in the Willamette River near Crystal Lake.

At about 11:50 a.m. on July 19, emergency responders received a report of a person in the water near river mile 133. A witness attempted to rescue Allen and reported at about 11:59 a.m. that he appeared to be deceased. Another witness said Allen was not wearing a life jacket.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol deputies were on duty but were operating downriver near the Polk County line when the call came in. Corvallis Fire Department personnel arrived first and reached the area by raft.

Corvallis Fire personnel recovered Allen from the river at about 12:22 p.m. The recovery occurred upriver from Michael’s Landing. Fire personnel began resuscitation efforts immediately and continued them while transporting Allen to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to wear a properly fitted life jacket when recreating in or near the water. Conditions can change quickly, and even experienced swimmers can become overwhelmed.

Life jackets are available for free public use at stations in Benton County parks near the Willamette River. Visitors are encouraged to borrow a life jacket and return it after use so it remains available for others.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Corvallis Fire Department for its rapid response and lifesaving efforts, the Corvallis Regional Communications Center for coordinating the emergency response, and the witness who attempted to rescue Allen.

If you have further information regarding the drowning, please contact Deputy Brigg Savage at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov.