Officials call for changes at Gladstone sandbar after drowning

GLADSTONE, Ore. (AP) — Fire officials are looking to bar motor vehicle access on a sandbar at a Gladstone park after a recent drowning in the Willamette River.

The Oregonian reports that Gladstone Fire Department Lt. Kirk Stempel says he will ask the City Council to prohibit vehicles at the site following the death of 37-year-old Harland Ryman. The Brooklyn, New York resident drowned Sunday.

Ryman and two others had driven an SUV onto the sandbar when the rising tide forced the vehicle into the water.

Fishermen pulled 35-year-old Patrick Emerson, of Gladstone, and 34-year-old Jennifer Hendricks, of Battle Ground, Washington, to safety. Ryman did not resurface.

Officials say the sandbar can be deceiving. It is exposed when the tide is low, but the tide can come in quickly and cover the sandbar.