Medford doctor drowns in boating accident
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — A man who drowned Monday has been identified as 54-year-old Jon Van Valkenburg of Medford.
The Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office determined he died due to accidental drowning.
The Mail Tribune reports Van Valkenburg had been fishing with his son in a raft on the Rogue River, according to marine patrol deputies.
Deputies say he pulled on a rope to retrieve an anchor, became tangled in the rope and was pulled overboard.
Investigators say the rope was wrapped around his hand and the current held him underwater.
Fire personnel found Van Valkenburg submerged and unresponsive. He died at a hospital.
Van Valkenburg was a primary care physician who also served as the medical director of the urgent care clinic at the Providence Medical Group Medford Medical Clinic, Providence confirmed Tuesday.
