Tragedy at Warehouse Beach: 20-Year-Old Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez Drowns in Columbia River
Umatilla, OR – A heartbreaking incident unfolded on the evening of August 3, 2025, when 20-year-old Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez tragically drowned while swimming in the Columbia River near Warehouse Beach, located at 34560 Highway 730. The young man’s death has sent waves of sorrow through the local community and has highlighted once again the dangers that can exist even in familiar recreational spaces.
At approximately 7:46 p.m., Umatilla County Dispatch received multiple urgent 911 calls reporting a possible drowning near the cliffs that face east of the designated swimming area at Warehouse Beach. Deputies and a patrol sergeant from the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, responders learned that Luis had attempted to swim across from the cliffs to the west bank of an upstream island—a physically demanding swim that became overwhelming around the halfway point. Witnesses, including Luis’s friends and other beachgoers, watched in horror as he began to struggle. Despite brave attempts by some individuals to reach him, they were unable to save him from going under.
Swift but Challenging Response
Multiple emergency response agencies mobilized within minutes of the first call. The initial marine response included:
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Umatilla Rural Fire Department
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Boat 12 crew
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United States Army Corps of Engineers Rangers
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Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol
With the sun rapidly setting, search and recovery efforts were hindered by poor visibility and growing darkness. Authorities did detect a potential sonar signature where Luis might have gone under, but due to unsafe conditions, the search was suspended for the night.
The Morning After: A Grueling Recovery Operation
At 8:00 a.m. on August 4, recovery operations resumed with reinforcements from:
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Oregon State Police Marine Patrol
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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol (Washington)
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Umatilla Rural Fire Department
However, the first sonar location turned out to be a false lead. The overcast skies and choppy water further complicated visibility and tracking efforts. After further sonar scanning by Benton CSO’s boat, a new potential site was located.
At that point, the specialized team from Columbia Basin Dive Rescue was brought in. After careful diving and methodical searching in the indicated area, divers successfully recovered Luis’s body at approximately 3:45 p.m.—bringing an end to the excruciating wait for his grieving family and friends.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez has deeply impacted those who knew him. Just 20 years old, Luis had his whole life ahead of him. He was remembered by friends at the scene as a kind-hearted, adventurous young man who loved the outdoors and had a free spirit. The tragedy is especially heartbreaking because it happened in the presence of those closest to him.
Community members, many of whom frequent Warehouse Beach during the hot summer months, are now left grappling with the sobering reality of how quickly a day of fun can turn fatal. The area, while popular, features sections with unpredictable currents and steep underwater drop-offs—conditions that can easily overwhelm even strong swimmers.
Gratitude for an Exhaustive Team Effort
The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office extended heartfelt appreciation to the many agencies that joined forces in this emotionally and physically demanding operation:
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Umatilla Police Department
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Hermiston Police Department
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Benton County Sheriff’s Office (WA)
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Irrigon Fire Department
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Columbia Basin Dive Rescue
Their collaboration, persistence, and professionalism were instrumental in bringing closure to the family and ensuring that Luis could be returned home.
A Reminder of the River’s Power
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can exist even in familiar, seemingly safe areas of the river. Authorities urge residents and visitors to always use life jackets, swim in designated areas, and never underestimate the force of natural bodies of water.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life taken too soon, thoughts and prayers go out to Luis’s family, friends, and everyone affected by the tragedy. Plans for a vigil or memorial may follow in the coming days as loved ones gather to honor and remember the life of Luis Adrian Oropeza Perez—gone far too soon, but never forgotten.
