another loss

This sounds like it was a rec boater out with family who got caught in a sweeper and wasn't able to get out

https://www.koin.com/news/oregon/man-dies-in-willamette-river-after-kayak-hits-log-lane-county-sheriffs-office/

Yeah, that "must have a PFD on board" thing is stupid when kayaking.  Wear the darned thing!

I think it was NCKA where someone posted data on deaths while boating, broken down by the type of watercraft.  Kayaks were significantly more often involved in on the water fatalities than anything else that floats, and being stupid in a kayak just ups the odds of a tragedy.

Makes me wonder why I'm searching for another kayak...  Oh, that's right: it's addictive.

My feelings exactly.

I hit Penns Creek a few days ago. While there, a family of 5 showed up with a variety of creek capable kayaks . Only 1 pfd in the whole group.