DAYTON, Ore. – A young man died after apparently misjudging the distance and jumping off a bridge in Dayton Monday, investigators said.
Witnesses told police that Douglas Etter, 19, of Dayton, was walking with friends on the Wallace Road bridge when they saw a patrol car approaching just after 3 a.m. They said Etter told his friends that he didn’t want to be seen by police and then he jumped over the bridge guardrail.
Etter fell about 46 feet, according to Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, and the deputy immediately went to him, to try and help.
"My deputy was on scene immediately, and rendered aid and comfort to Etter after calling for emergency medical help," Crabtree said. “Though Etter was initially conscious, he died at the scene.”
Crabtree added that investigators believe Etter misjudged the height of the bridge, leading to the accidental death.
“Our hearts go out to the Etter family during this time of tragic loss,” he said.
