Linn County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a boating accident on Foster Lake that occurred Thursday afternoon, May 14.
Sheriff Bruce Riley said his office got a report at 12:51 p.m. from a bystander that there were four people who had been in the water for approximately 15 minutes.
Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District personnel arrived at the lake at 1:06 p.m. and were able to get all four occupants to shore.
Owner Timothy Ray Allen, 61, of Albany told deputies that his 16-foot driftboat overturned when one of the occupants shifted weight to one side, causing the craft to tip.
Allen told deputies this caused all of the passengers to shift to one side, overturning the boat.
Ron Dean Peck, 61, of Albany and Phillip Louis Hyatt, 77, of Dundee and Timothy Ray Allen were treated and released at the scene.
Bert Alfred Allen, 87, of Albany was transported to Lebanon Community Hospital and treated for hypothermia.
Timothy Allen and Bert Allen told deputies they were wearing their life jackets.
Riley said deputies were told the others had life jackets accessible but chose not to wear them.
Linn County Deputies were assisted by Sweet Home Fire and Sweet Home Police Department.
Riley said he wanted to remind the public that even with recent warm weather, the local bodies of water are still cold and can rapidly lower your body temperature.
Also, remember that wearing a life jacket, even when not required by law, can save your life when the unexpected happens.