Redmond man dies after Prineville Reservoir boating mishap

(Update: Adding victim’s name, more details)

A 65-year-old Redmond man died of apparent natural causes Thursday afternoon after a boating mishap at Prineville Reservoir, despite the lifesaving efforts of several citizens and first responders, Crook County sheriff’s deputies said.

Deputies responded around 1 p.m. to the report of an unconscious man at the Powder House Cove boat ramp on the reservoir, Sgt. Jacob Childers said Friday.

Deputies arrived to find several citizens performing CPR on an unconscious man who was found having collapsed in the parking lot, Childers said. Deputies quickly began to assist and Crook County Fire and Rescue paramedics arrived to continue lifesaving efforts.

An investigation found that Thomas ” Ned ” Bray had been fishing with a friend on the reservoir, Childers said. Upon returning to Powder House Cove, Bray struck the boat ramp at slow speed, causing the small boat to tip and the two people to fall in the water. Both were able to swim to safety, Childers said.

Bray made his way up the boat ramp toward his vehicle and trailer, but collapsed in the parking lot. Several citizens rushed to his aid and found he was unconscious and not breathing. Some began CPR as others called 911.

Despite the extensive efforts, Bray could not be revived and died at the scene of apparent natural causes, the sergeant said. The Crook County Medical Examiner’s Office also assisted at the scene.