From the Curry County Sheriff's Office:

On Sunday, August 13, 2023 at about 11:03pm, the Curry County Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call from International Response regarding an activation of a Garmin emergency device. The information was that thirty-five-year-old Austin Headrick from Grants Pass, Or., had activated an emergency device and sent messages that he had a broken ankle, was hyperthermic and did not know where he was. The information gathered through text messages was Headrick had been rafting with a large group of about 25 others on the Rogue River and was supposed to take out at Foster Bar above Agness, after starting at Grave Creek on Friday. Dispatch was able to track the Garmin Device with International Response and discovered Headrick kept moving down river and was several miles below Agness.

A Curry County Patrol Sergeant responded to the area and determined the closest take-out point would be Quosatana Creek boat ramp. A text message was sent to Headrick to let him know that an ambulance would be waiting at the boat ramp there. Headrick responded that he would not make it there due to his condition.

On Monday, August 14, 2023 at about 3:15am, with knowledge of his skills and expertise on the river, the Sheriff’s Office contacted SAR member Ryan McGinnis to see if he could respond with his specialized boat. McGinnis responded to Quosatana Creek boat ramp and launched with a paramedic on board. McGinnis located Headrick about four miles above Quosatana Creek and was able to transport him along with his kayak down to the boat ramp where Cal Ore Life Flight was waiting. Headrick was then transported to Curry General Hospital, treated, and released a few hours later.

This rescue on the river took place during total darkness. The Curry County Sheriff’s Dispatcher, Deputy Jessica Swank, did an amazing job tracking and providing first responders with accurate and updated information. SAR member Ryan McGinnis also did an amazing job in locating and transporting Headrick to safety.

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