Deric Sean Johnson, 52, went missing after attempting a rescue at the mouth of the Yachats River on August 18, 2024. Emergency services were called that afternoon for a woman and her two sons in distress at the south end of Yachats State Recreation Area. Johnson entered the water to help; the woman and children were pulled to safety by the Yachats Fire Department with assistance from a bystander, but Johnson was swept away by strong currents and disappeared from view.

Firefighters reported occasional visual contact with an object in the water but could not confirm it was Johnson. The U.S. Coast Guard, ground crews and two lifeboats conducted a search that did not locate him. The Oregon State Police lists Deric Sean Johnson as a missing person with last contact on the day of the rescue attempt. If anyone saw Johnson that afternoon or has information about his disappearance, please share what is known.