Search to resume Sunday for girl swept into Clackamas River

MOUNT HOOD NATIONAL FOREST – The search for a 6-year-old girl who was swept into the Clackamas River will resume Sunday, one week after she disappeared.

Vinesa Snegur fell into the river on Jan. 22 while playing in the snow with her parents about 30 miles east of Estacada, Ore. The family had to drive seven miles to the Ripplebrook Ranger Station to call for help because there is no cellphone service in the area.

Crews searched for the girl for 2 days, but suspended the search due to weather conditions and high water on Jan. 24. Divers located her sweater and her jacket hood underwater this week while family members found Vinesa's jacket on the bank of the river.

Several volunteers continued to search for Vinesa after authorities suspended the search. Vinesa’s father, Igor Snegur, said he and his family remain hopeful that she will be found.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. James Rhodes says the water depth and flow should be safe enough for water rescue teams to resume the search Sunday.

Vinesa attended first grade at Mill Park Elementary School in the David Douglas School District.