Account
Apr 15, 2015
Jan 05, 2024
Joseph
Deseranno
30
18
73 inches
170 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
On a cold morning in January 2013, 18-year-old Joseph Arnold Deseranno of Milwaukie, Oregon, went fishing for steelhead with a friend on the Sandy River. The two were near the area of the former Marmot Dam, about six miles east of Sandy, when a tragic accident occurred. At approximately 10 a.m. on January 14th, while attempting to wade across the river, Joseph slipped and fell into the frigid water. He was wearing hip waders and a dark camouflage jacket, but unfortunately, he did not have on a personal flotation device. His friend witnessed the fall and, unable to locate him in the fast-moving river, immediately called 911 for help. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, along with other rescue crews, responded to the emergency call which came in at 10:04 a.m. However, their efforts were immediately hampered by the treacherous conditions. A cold snap had left the area with icy roads, making it difficult for rescuers to even reach the location where Joseph had fallen. The conditions in and around the river were equally perilous. The air temperature was a mere 27 degrees, and the water was a dangerously cold 35 degrees, with ice covering the river banks. A lieutenant with the sheriff's office noted that the shock from such cold water could cause a person's muscles to seize, making it nearly impossible to stay afloat, even for a strong swimmer. Despite the hazardous conditions, a search was launched. About 20 searchers from the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium spent over four hours combing the river and its banks, covering at least a mile downstream from where Joseph was last seen. They utilized swimmers, rope teams, rescue teams, and rafts in their efforts. The river was reported to be clear but moving very fast through that section. Initially considered a rescue mission, the hope of finding Joseph alive dwindled as time passed in the freezing temperatures. The initial search was suspended later that afternoon due to safety concerns for the rescue personnel but was expected to resume. The comprehensive search of the river and shoreline in the days that followed tragically did not lead to his recovery. The case remains a heartbreaking reminder of the power of nature and the suddenness of loss.
Jan 14, 2013
Sandy
Oregon
Clackamas County
97055
No
16527
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Oregon City
Oregon
Clackamas County
97045
2223 Kaen Road, Oregon
5037855000
County
Law Enforcement
13-1446
2013-01-14
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
Brown
Brown
Brown
06/03/2026
