Overview

• Emergency crews were dispatched around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 15 to Thor’s Well near Cape Perpetua after reports that a person had fallen into the water.
• Responders determined the man was inside the well but could not attempt a ground recovery because of wave conditions and the formation’s terrain.
• A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station North Bend arrived with a rescue boat standing by, and a rescue swimmer ultimately recovered the body after two unsuccessful tries.
• The man’s identity has not been released; investigators say he appeared to be alone, and police towed a vehicle with Colorado plates and camping gear from the nearby parking area.
• Authorities say the circumstances remain unclear, note this is the third death at the site since 2017, and warn visitors to keep a safe distance due to unpredictable surf and sneaker waves.