BUXTON, Maine — UPDATE: Monday, June 7
A 38-year-old man from South Portland died Sunday after falling into the Saco River, police said Monday.
According to the Buxton Police Department, the man, identified as Abiodun Jerry Roland Olubi of South Portland, fell into the Saco River in Pleasant Point Park Sunday around 2:15 p.m. A witness told police she saw the man fall off a slippery rock outcrop.
Pleasant Point Park borders the Saco River between the river's Salmon Falls and Union Falls.
A witness told police she didn’t think the man knew how to swim and that he went under and had not resurfaced for about five minutes.
Police and Buxton Fire-Rescue initially went to the scene. Saco, Hollis, Standish, and Gorham fire departments also assisted with water rescue boats to help search for the man. The York County Emergency Management Agency responded used a drone to attempt to locate the male from above the river, police said.
With a boat and dive team, the warden service eventually found the man near where he fell in, in about 50 feet of water.
A couple fishing in the area earlier in the day told NEWS CENTER Maine's Sean Stackhouse they had seen quite a few first responders in the water in the area of Salmon Falls, particularly near a large rock known as "party rock."
Stackhouse was told "party rock" is a popular spot for folks to jump into the water. There is still no word from officials on what happened there.
Buxton police remind people who visit Pleasant Point Park that the river is "very deep" in that area.
"We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the park and river but to do it safely.”
A GoFundMe has been organized to raise money to help with Olubi's funeral expenses.
"Many will remember Jerry for his dedication in providing foods to immigrants affected by Covid-19," organizers wrote.
So far, around $1,500 has been raised of the $15,000 goal.
Click here to donate.
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Original story: Sunday, June 6
First responders and game wardens responded to an "incident" in the area of Pleasant Point Park in Buxton Sunday afternoon and into the evening.
Pleasant Point Park borders the Saco River, between the river's Salmon Falls and Union Falls.
As of Sunday evening, Pleasant Point Park was closed, and a number of EMS officials remained on the scene.
A couple fishing in the area earlier in the day told NEWS CENTER Maine's Sean Stackhouse they had seen quite a few first responders in the water in the area of Salmon Falls, particularly near a large rock known as "party rock."
Stackhouse was told "party rock" is a popular spot for folks to jump into the water. There is still no word from officials on what happened there.
NEWS CENTER Maine will update this article as more information becomes available.