Derik Morganstern, 35, has struggled with addiction and homelessness since his teens, said his sister Aly Morganstern.

But he was “the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” she said.

Late on the evening of August 11, he was at Wallace Marine Park in Salem, where he lived, on the west bank of the Willamette River, when he spotted a woman jumping into the water from the nearby pedestrian bridge.

Derik Morganstern immediately jumped into the river to reach the woman and was able to push her to safety, Aly Morganstern said, according to witness statements.

She made it to shore and was taken to the hospital, Salem police said.

But Derik Morganstern was unable to overcome the current, authorities said. Salem police and fire officials said they arrived on the scene within minutes of the 911 call and searched the water by boat for 50 minutes starting at 11:10 p.m., said Brian Carrara, a Salem Fire Department spokesman.

More than 100 people from Salem’s homeless community searched the riverbank for any sign of their friend. They also used boats and kayaks to search the water.

Derik Morganstern’s body was recovered Friday by three Oregon Rescue Divers volunteers who used sonar to search for the body underwater, said Devon Carroll, a diver who is part of the group but did not take part in the mission.

Aly Morganstern met the woman her brother had saved. “I gave her a big hug and told her I didn’t blame her,” she said.

The woman said she knew she was safe when she spotted the word engraved on Derik Morganstern’s shoulder. It was a nickname for his six nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind seven children of his own.

The tattoo spells “HERO” in capital letters.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 for confidential support 24/7 or visit 988lifeline.org.

— Beth Slovic is an assistant editor on the public safety and breaking news team. You can reach her at 503-221-8551 or [email protected].

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