Tragic Accident Claims Life at Kangaroo Lake

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Kangaroo Lake in Siskiyou County, California, resulting in the death of 46-year-old local resident Brian Jacob DeLong. According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), deputies were dispatched to the lake around 4:00 p.m. following reports of a potential drowning.

Witnesses reported seeing DeLong leap from a 40-foot rock outcropping into the lake, a popular spot for cliff jumping. Tragically, he did not resurface after entering the water. The SCSO Dive Team conducted a search and located DeLong’s body at a depth of 21 feet, where he was pronounced deceased. Initial reports suggested DeLong struck the water face-first, the coroner later confirmed to his family that he died from a fatal neck injury sustained upon impact.

A Greenview resident present at the lake described the scene as chaotic, with many families enjoying the day by the water. DeLong was reportedly jumping from the rocks with a group of children, gradually moving to higher points before the accident occurred. “We watched as the older man was jumping with a group of kids,” the witness recalled. “People were in shock when he did not surface.” A U.S. Forest Service attendant at the scene was unsure of protocol, as there were no clear guidelines for such an incident. There are no regulations prohibiting cliff jumping in the Klamath National Forest.

Shareen Strauss spoke with a family from McCloud who also witnessed the tragedy. They reported that over 22 emergency vehicles from multiple agencies responded to the scene. “It all happened so fast,” the family told Strauss. They commented about how devastating it was for the lookers as Fire and law-enforcement in national Forest Service a total of 22 vehicles were there claims one of the witnesses.

“Many unsure if he slipped, clipped the rocks on the way down, or hit the water wrong.” Some speculated that fishing line littering the lake bottom may have contributed, though the exact cause remains unclear. The families described the event as deeply traumatizing, and the investigation into Mr. Delong’s death remains ongoing.

Kim Perreira, a family member, shared a heartfelt tribute to DeLong, emphasizing his unconditional love and devotion to his family. “Brian to us; he was LOVE,” Perreira wrote. “He will ALWAYS BE OUR FAMILY!!” Brian Jacob DeLong loved his FAMILY VERY MUCH. Janie his Mother, His wife Brandi ALL of his Children including two bonus Sons Joey & Luke. Brian also leaves behind a Brother in Law Ryan Crowe (Catherine) Nephews Daryn & Christopher Crowe.

Recounting, I had the pleasure of seeing Brian 2 weeks before his passing he approached me with his great smile and a huge hug as “MiMa”. 

Brian WE LOVE YOU, WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER the depths of your heart & soul, the LOVE you brought to our Family and hold our memories through the years close.

The Siskiyou County community mourns the loss of Brian Jacob DeLong, remembered for the love and light he brought to those around him. His family asks that his memory be honored with respect and affection. “Godspeed,” Perreira wrote, holding close the memories of a man whose heart and soul touched many.

Obituary: Brian Jacob DeLong

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