Yes, the tragic drowning of Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez, a 20-year-old young man from Umatilla, Oregon, has been confirmed by multiple local news sources.
What Happened:
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Date & Time: Evening of August 3, 2025
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Location: Warehouse Beach area, along the Columbia River, located at 34560 Highway 730, Umatilla, OR
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Incident: Luis attempted to swim from the cliffs near the designated swimming area toward a small island. He was swept under by the river’s strong current and did not resurface.
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Response: Emergency crews were dispatched immediately. Despite efforts, darkness forced the suspension of the search that night. His body was recovered by dive teams using sonar equipment the following afternoon, on August 4 around 3:45 p.m.
Recovery Effort Involved:
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Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office
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Oregon State Police
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Columbia Basin Dive Rescue
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Benton County (WA) Sheriff’s Office
Community Response:
Luis was remembered as a kind and vibrant young man, and the loss has deeply impacted both his family and the wider Umatilla community. Support has been pouring in through social media, and friends are reportedly organizing vigils and memorial events.
Safety Reminder:
The Columbia River, while beautiful, is known for strong currents, undertows, and sudden depth changes—particularly near cliffs or outside designated swim zones. Local officials continue to urge caution and recommend life vests, even for strong swimmers.
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