The Newberg-Dundee Police Department has reported the discovery of two men found dead inside a submerged car in the Willamette River. The deceased have been identified as 40-year-old Benigno Hermenegildo-Pascuala and 39-year-old Eufracio Lopez de Jesus, both of Newberg. Investigators came across an oil sheen on the surface of the water near a boat launch, which led to the vehicle's discovery, KPTV reported.
Following reports that the men had been last seen following a "heated argument" on Sunday night, police began to conduct a search and used cell phone data to track their last known location to Roger’s Landing County Park. An underwater camera, operated by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, was instrumental in locating Benigno’s submerged vehicle, while family members had filed a missing persons report one day after the men were last seen, KGW mentioned.
The Lake Oswego Fire Department's dive team participated in the effort, eventually helping to retrieve the car from the river. The circumstances leading the vehicle to end up in the river remain unclear. The Newberg-Dundee police have not yet ascertained the cause of death for both men and have solicited any information that the public may have regarding the case, a statement obtained by KOIN.
The Newberg-Dundee police have not yet released further details, but encourage witnesses or individuals with knowledge of the incident to contact them directly, according to a statement from local law enforcement officials.
