Sisters man drowns in Deschutes River

A 26-year-old man drowned on Monday afternoon while swimming in the Deschutes River at Awbrey Falls below White Rock Loop.

According to Deschutes County Sheriff's Office reports, Todd Sampson and his brother Jeffrey, 18, had been swimming in the river when Todd ventured behind the falls into the lava tube and did not surface.

Jeffrey attempted to locate his brother in the tube but was unable to reach him due to the current. Jeffrey then called 911 dispatch for assistance.

Members of the Deschutes County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Swift Water and Dive Team responded to the scene and at about 7:25 p.m. recovered the body in approximately 20 feet of water.

Todd was the son of Keith and Jane Sampson of Sisters.