News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Office responds after 5-year-old boy visiting from Canada drowns in Molalla River

Posted: August 3-4, 2009

CCSO CASE # 09-23861

On Monday, August 3, 2009 at approximately 7:37 p.m., the Clackamas County Emergency Dispatch Center (C-COM) received information concerning a young boy -- later determined to be 5 years old -- who had been removed from the Molalla River at Feyer Park in Molalla and was not breathing.

A Molalla Police officer and a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office deputy were the first emergency personnel to arrive on-scene, and they began administering CPR to the lifeless patient. Molalla Fire rescue personnel also arrived, and LifeFlight was summoned for an emergency airlift of the patient to Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

Reports from the scene indicate that a large family gathering was underway at Feyer Park, a popular recreation area along the banks of the Molalla River. The families had gathered together for a scheduled wedding -- with family members arriving from out-of-state and country to attend the wedding and family reunion.

The 5-year-old was reportedly playing in knee-deep water with a group of children and found his way into swifter and deeper water.

Once it was realized the 5-year-old (born November 2003) was missing, all family members immediately fanned out to search for him.

One of the child's aunts went into the Molalla River during the search, and discovered the child submerged in knee-deep water in the middle of the river. The child may have been submerged for as long as 10 minutes prior to being discovered the by the aunt and removed from the river.

Rescue personnel indicate that the child did not appear to be breathing while being prepared for LifeFlight transport to Emanuel Hospital. He was not revived.

The child is identified as Markian Barsukoff, age 5, who resides in Alberta, Canada. He was visiting with his family, attending the wedding/family reunion.

Deputies remained on-scene, interviewing witnesses and gathering additional information relevant to this investigation. This does not appear to be anything but a tragic accident.

Please reference CCSO Case # 09-23861.

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Jim Strovink, Detective
Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office