Fatal ATV Crash on Umpqua Dunes National Recreation Area

A 31-year-old Portland man died Sunday afternoon after an ATV crash at the Umpqua Dunes National Recreation Area near Winchester Bay, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 1, 2026, shortly after 4:30 p.m., 911 dispatchers received a report of an injury ATV crash near an area known as Third Finger.

Deputies responding to the scene located the operator, identified as Austin Anthony Durrett of Portland. Durrett was unresponsive and not breathing. Emergency medical personnel responded but were unable to save him, and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation determined that Durrett had been riding with a group near Fourth Finger. He reportedly left an area known as Lake Shot to locate another member of the group who had run out of fuel.

When Durrett failed to return, other members of the group began searching for him. Approximately 45 minutes later, they located him at the crash scene.

Investigators believe Durrett was traveling at a high rate of speed when he went off an approximately 40-foot razorback dune. The ATV reportedly became airborne before crashing.

The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified and is investigating the death. Durrett’s family has been notified.

The crash remains under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office has not released additional information.