BREAKING: Boardman man drowns

News release from the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office

About 5:45pm on Sunday July 16th, Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call reporting that a male that was fishing from the riverbank near Boardman, was swept away into the Columbia River.

Two cousins were enjoying their Sunday, fishing from the bank of the Columbia River when tragedy struck. Irwin Parcero Perez, 35, of Boardman, was fishing with his cousin when he walked a little further into the river, and suddenly, slipped completely into the water.  Despite his cousin’s attempts to help, Mr. Parcero Perez was not located. 

Morrow County Sheriff’s Office and several other agencies all responded to the scene to help locate the fisherman.  In total, there were seven boats, two drones, two dive rescue teams and one private plane searching for Mr. Parcero Perez. Despite all the equipment and searchers, they were unable to locate the fisherman and the search was suspended due to darkness.  As of Monday morning, due to high winds on the river, they were unable to launch boats.  The search will continue as soon as the weather allows.

The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Parcero Perez. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

This is another very sad reminder that the Columbia River is extremely powerful and dangerous.  MCSO highly recommends wearing a life vest if you are going in the Columbia River, even for wading, as there are unexpected drop-offs and very strong currents.

MCSO wishes to thank Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, Boardman Police Department and Boardman Fire drone operator, as well as the private pilot from Washington, for their assistance.

Editor’s note: This story contains a correction in the spelling of the name Parcero which was originally misspelled in the release.

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Elkhorn Media Group

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