Portland, Oregon – Authorities have recovered seven bodies from local waterways in the Portland area over the past few weeks, though officials say the number is not unusual for this time of year. According to Deputy John Plock of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the number of bodies found is consistent with previous years, noting that last year, similar recoveries occurred in April and May.
Since April 13, the bodies have been found in various locations, including the Willamette River and Columbia River, with two bodies being discovered just this past weekend. The recoveries have sparked concern in the community, though authorities have emphasized that these incidents are relatively common for the region’s rivers, especially during the spring months.
One of the most notable cases involves the disappearance of 20-year-old kayaker Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez from Porterville, California. Rodriguez, who had been vacationing in the area with his family, went missing on April 12 after a witness reported seeing a kayaker in distress near Willamette Falls. Authorities believe Rodriguez may not have been aware of the falls’ location when he went over the edge, after which he was never seen resurfacing.
Two days after his disappearance, Rodriguez’s blue kayak was recovered near Elk Rock Island, approximately 7.5 river miles downstream from Willamette Falls. Despite a search of the area, his whereabouts remained unknown until a body was pulled from the Willamette River over the weekend. While the identity has yet to be confirmed, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has suggested that the body may belong to Rodriguez. The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to determine the official identity.
At least three of the bodies recovered have been identified. On April 13, the body of 32-year-old Daniel Alcazar was discovered near Swan Island in the Willamette River. Investigators have not provided further details about the other bodies found in the waterways, but they continue to examine the circumstances surrounding each case.
Deputy Plock reassured the public that the recoveries fall within the expected range for this time of year. “It is possible there will be more,” he added, acknowledging the challenges posed by the region’s river systems and the dangers they pose to water-goers.
As investigations into the bodies continue, local authorities are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution when engaging in water activities, especially near the area’s unpredictable river features.
