Teen dies after fall at Cape Kiwanda; 5th death in 8 months

PORTLAND – Authorities say a 19-year-old man has become the fifth person to die in eight months at Oregon’s Cape Kiwanda.

The Oregonian reported that Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office says David Lopez, of Woodburn, drowned there Sunday.

Deputies say one of Lopez and two friends were climbing in an area known as the Punch Bowl when one of the men fell into the water. Lopez and the other friend fell while trying to help him.

Lopez’s friends made it safely to shore.

Earlier this month, 17-year-old Megan Owens, of Washington, fell at Cape Kiwanda. She has not yet been found.

Sheriff Andy Long says most deaths in the area teens and people in their 20s, usually from out of town. Deputies say Owens and Lopez both went around a fence to climb in the area.