GLADSTONE, OR — The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has recovered a body believed to be that of Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, a 20-year-old kayaker from Porterville, California, who was reported missing after going over Willamette Falls on April 12.
Deputies responded to reports of a body along the shore of the Willamette River just north of Meldrum Bar Park shortly after 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. The body was located in a difficult-to-access area along the shoreline. Members of the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit reached the location by boat and successfully recovered the remains.
Rodriguez had last been seen operating a blue hard-shell kayak, which was found on April 13 near Elk Rock Island, approximately 7.5 river miles downstream from Willamette Falls. A multi-agency search had been underway since his disappearance, involving marine units, aerial drones, search and rescue teams, and volunteer support.
The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and will work to confirm the identity of the deceased.
Anyone with additional information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 503-723-4949 or submit information online at www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip.