Prineville, Ore. – A Prineville man died Monday evening at Lake Billy Chinook after trying to retrieve a drifting boat carrying his disabled friend, according to a statement from Jefferson County Sheriff Jason Pollock.
The sheriff’s office identified the victim as 56-year-old Vaughn Alan Waugaman. Authorities said Waugaman and a friend with intellectual and developmental disabilities had been fishing from a small aluminum boat on August 18th. After returning to the boat ramp, Waugaman stepped away to his vehicle when the vessel drifted off with his friend still on board, unable to operate it.
In an effort to recover the boat, Waugaman entered the water and began swimming toward it. Deputies believe he suffered a cardiac event during the attempt. Two paddleboarders nearby pulled him from the water and began CPR. Jefferson County Fire & EMS and Airlink responders arrived quickly, but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the drifting boat began taking on water and partially sank. A sheriff’s office marine deputy was able to secure the vessel and tow it back to the boat ramp.
Sheriff Jason Pollock said the agency extends its deepest condolences to Waugaman’s family and friends during this difficult time.
This is a developing story we will keep you updated on as we learn more.
Note: The article’s excerpt had mistakenly said Sunday and was corrected to match the article’s citation to Monday evening. We regret the error.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject mater expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
