The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has identified the kayaker missing since April 12 in the Willamette River as Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from Porterville, California, details which were released in a recent update on their website. Marcelus was vacationing with his family in Oregon when the incident occurred, his presence last noted as he navigated the river's deceptive currents.
A surge of 911 calls on Saturday evening alerted authorities to a kayaker in danger near Willamette Falls. Eyewitnesses saw him fall over the cascade, but he did not resurface. Despite extensive search efforts by the sheriff's office, U.S. Coast Guard, and Portland Police Bureau, Marcelus has not been located.
In a statement provided by the Rodriguez family, the gravity of their loss was palpable: "We, the family of Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, are truly devastated by the tragic event that unfolded this past Saturday in the Willamette Falls area, and we would not wish this experience on anyone," the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office stated. The family urged the public to adopt safety measures when in proximity to bodies of water, such as wearing life jackets and maintaining vigilance against nature's unforeseen ferocity.
Expressing their heartfelt thanks amid the anguish, the Rodriguez family said, "We extend our sincere gratitude to the teams of first responders who rushed to our aid and continue to search for our boy. We also thank the locals and fishermen out on the water who have been watchful and helpful during this difficult time," as per the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.
