On Thursday, February 27th, deputies recovered the unidentified body of a male in the Willamette River near the Buena Vista Ferry. Following an autopsy conducted earlier today at the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office, investigators believe they have tentatively identified the deceased person. In the coming days additional investigation will be done to confirm the identity, at which time the next of kin will be notified. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our community members for their efforts to help attempt to identify the deceased male. No further information is available for release at this time.
*****Original Release from 2/27/2020******
On February 27th, 2020, at approximately 11:22 am a boater reported finding a partially decomposed body in the Willamette River near the Buena Vista Ferry. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to investigate along with emergency personnel from the Jefferson Fire District. Marine Patrol and Search and Rescue Deputies were able to coordinate the recovery of the deceased by boat. At this time it is unknown how long the deceased, an unidentified male, has been at the location. Investigators are working to attempt to determine the identity of the deceased; an autopsy is scheduled for 10:30 am on February 28th at the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have information about missing persons believed to have been in the area to contact Detective Bob Evarts at 503-588-8507.