Oregon doctor drowns in boating accident on Rogue River
by Associated Press
Tuesday, July 23rd 2019
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A man who drowned Monday has been
identified as 54-year-old Jon Van Valkenburg of Medford. The Jackson County
Medical Examiner's Office determined he died due to accidental drowning.
The Mail Tribune reports Van Valkenburg had been fishing
with his son in a raft on the Rogue River, according to marine patrol deputies.
Deputies say he pulled on a rope to retrieve an anchor, became tangled in the
rope and was pulled overboard. Investigators say the rope was wrapped around
his hand and the current held him underwater.
Fire personnel found Van Valkenburg submerged and
unresponsive. He died at a hospital.
Van Valkenburg was wearing an inflatable life jacket, but it was not inflated, deputies said.
Van Valkenburg was a primary care physician who also served
as the medical director of the urgent care clinic at the Providence Medical
Group Medford Medical Clinic, Providence confirmed Tuesday.
Information from: Mail Tribune
