On July 29, 2022 at about 6:13 p.m. Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 call from an unknown reporter regarding a boating accident at McKay Reservoir. UCSO Marine Deputies responded to the scene. An investigation revealed eight occupants in a boat had been tubing on the reservoir. One in the group, Benjamin Ryan Camden (41-year-old from Milton-Freewater, Oregon), was down in the water, and (while attempting to get back into the boat) the transom ladder broke. Camden was unable to pull himself into the boat and it was decided he would hold onto the starboard handrail while the boat operator headed toward a boat ramp. While slowing motoring toward the boat ramp, Benjamin lost his grip and slid under the boat. He sustained serious injuries to his lower left leg by propeller cuts. Benjamin was assisted to shore by other nearby boaters and loaded into a private vehicle which met with medics near the reservoir entrance. He was transported to St. Anthony Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. UCSO extends our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
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