Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports on June 21, 2024, at 5:13 p.m., Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call reporting a single vehicle had crashed into Foster Lake and was fully submerged.
Upon arrival, Deputies found a 1997 Toyota 4Runner submerged in the lake with an unknown number of occupants. Witnesses, Sweet Home Fire Department and Deputies attempted to locate occupants and initial efforts were unsuccessful. Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded and located a single occupant, identified as Robert Anderson, 22, of Sweet Home deceased in the vehicle.
Deputies learned Anderson was traveling west on North River when the vehicle struck the embankment on the north side of the road. This caused the Toyota to overturn before entering the lake. At this time, it is unknown what caused Anderson to initially leave the roadway. The investigation is ongoing, and Deputies are looking into contributing factors.
The Multi-Agency Investigation Team (MAIT) and Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team were called to assist with the investigation, including the recovery of the vehicle. Deputies were also assisted by Sweet Home Fire Department, the Sweet Home Police Department, and Linn County Road Department. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 967-3950.