Jacob Jackson Death & Obituary, Family mourns Doctor killed in Kayaking Accident

Jacob Jackson Death & Obituary: The Jackson family is grappling with an unimaginable loss after the tragic death of 50-year-old Jacob Jackson in a kayaking accident on the Willamette River. The accident, which occurred Thursday night, has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.

A Beloved Family Man and Adventurous Spirit

Jacob Jackson, a family medicine doctor known for his adventurous spirit, generosity, and kindness, never returned from his kayaking trip. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reports that Jackson’s kayak collided with the Buena Vista Ferry after experiencing a malfunction with its steering mechanism.

The Accident

Jackson’s mother, Melodie Jackson, shared that Jacob was with a friend, using a type of kayak unfamiliar to him. “The kayaks were not the ones where you sit up and have a paddle; they had pedals of some kind, and the kayak he was given malfunctioned,” she explained. “When they launched into the water, he was trying to figure out how it worked, and then they saw the ferry, which had launched at the same time. It was poor timing. They tried to get away, but they couldn’t.”

Tragic Circumstances

According to the responding dive team, Jacob fell into the water after being pulled into the current and striking the ferry. Tragically, his clothes became entangled in the propeller, trapping him underwater.

Katrinka Blunt, Jacob’s sister, highlighted his regular participation in water sports and his knowledge of safety precautions. “I understand from the police report that he had his life vest with him but wasn’t wearing it at the time. Even if he had been, getting caught in that propeller would have made it unlikely to save him,” she said. “These things can happen to anyone. It’s easy to find blame, but it doesn’t change the outcome. We’re just going to miss him.”

Also Read: Alyssa Wheeler Obituary: Hubbard County teen killed in Park Rapids car accident

Family in Shock

The Jackson family is in a state of shock, struggling to come to terms with the reality of their loss. “It’s not something I expected. So, it’s just hard to believe it’s real,” Melodie Jackson expressed.

Katrinka added, “It still feels like he’s on a trip and we’ll see him again.”

Remembering Jacob Jackson

Jacob Jackson was not only a beloved family member but also a “fun uncle” to his 20 nieces and nephews. “He was always making jokes as he came in and was genuinely interested in what each of them was doing,” Katrinka reminisced.

Despite his profession, Jacob never sought the spotlight, preferring to be a supportive pillar within his family. “He never led with ‘I’m a doctor.’ He just wanted to be a regular guy,” his mother noted.

A Life of Service

Jackson’s career included years of dedicated service at Keizer Permanente in Salem before he decided to travel and provide medical care wherever needed. “Like all of us, some of the plans he had for himself didn’t go exactly as he saw. But he embraced what he had, and I will remember him for that,” Katrinka shared.

Memorial Service and Legacy

The Jackson family hopes that Jacob will be remembered for his efforts to bring people together and his love of being on the water. A memorial service is being planned and is expected to take place within the next week.

Jacob Jackson’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to his family and community will undoubtedly endure in the hearts of all who knew him. His untimely death is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.