Sheriff’s Office Identifies Klamath River Drowning Victim

On the afternoon of May 29th, at 3:54 p.m., a Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to the Seiad Valley area upon receiving a report of a man swept away in the Klamath River. When the Deputy reached the reporting party, they explained that their friend, identified as Jeffrey Plum, age 50, had been attempting to swim to an island in the middle of the river when he was pulled into the rapids and carried down river.

Mr. Plum, of Hemet, CA, was a strong swimmer and declined to wear a life vest before entering the water. When he was unable to reach the island, he did not ask for help or indicate distress, and his friends remained confident that he would be able to quickly exit the river. When they were unable to locate Mr. Plum a few minutes later, they became concerned and contacted authorities.

A weeklong Search and Rescue (SAR) operation ensued along the Klamath River corridor, utilizing SAR teams from Siskiyou, Klamath, Jackson, and Coos counties, along with personnel from the Klamath National Forest fire crews, the Karuk Tribe, drone operators, and water safety teams. Tragically, on Friday, June 6th, at 12:06 p.m. a pair of jet skiers reported a body in the water approximately 6 miles below the point where Mr. Plum was last seen. Next of kin notifications were made and the drowned victim was positively identified as Jeffry Plum.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Plum during this difficult time. We would also like to express our gratitude to all the Search and Rescue personnel, local firefighters, and community volunteers that aided in this search.

This tragic incident marks the fourth drowning death in Siskiyou County and the second in the Klamath river this year alone. As temperatures rise this summer, it is important to remember that our rivers remain cold and fast-moving due to snowmelt. Such conditions can prove difficult for even the strongest swimmers, so we encourage everyone to wear a life vest on the river. Likewise, children should be monitored at all times around waterways, and anyone who cannot swim should stay out of the water.