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The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the identity of the kayaker who went missing in the Willamette River on April 12, 2025 as Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, age 20 of Porterville, California.
Investigators learned Marcelus and his family were on vacation and arrived in the area on Saturday evening. Marcelus was last seen kayaking in the area and may not have known the falls were there.
Late Saturday evening, multiple 911 callers reported observing a kayaker in distress on the Willamette River, just upstream of Willamette Falls in Oregon City. A short time later, witnesses stated the individual, a lone adult male, was seen going over the falls and did not resurface. Initial search operations included multiple agencies on the water and in the air with support provided by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft from the Portland Police Bureau.
Despite extensive efforts, Marcelus has not been located. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is continuing to search the river to bring closure to Marcelus’ family.
At the request of the Rodriguez family, we are releasing the following statement:
“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. Our family is making every effort to heal and come to terms with our loss.
We would like to first warn others to always be aware of their surroundings and to NEVER enter this river without wearing a life jacket or, at the very least, exercising extreme caution, as the forces of nature can quickly become overwhelming and deadly.
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. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has treated us with care and compassion, and we are forever grateful for their efforts.
Marcelus loved God, his family, and nature. We hope that this tragic accident can be avoided in the future for other families. May God keep watch over Marcelus and bless him always.”
-- The Rodriguez Family
CCSO case #25-007630
[END UPDATE]
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EARLIER (April 14, 2025): Sheriff's Office continues search to recover missing kayaker on Willamette River
The search for the missing kayaker, a 20-year-old man from California, remains ongoing. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, along with the Marine Unit, continues coordinated efforts to locate the individual.
The blue kayak the man was last seen operating was recovered near Elk Rock Island on the Willamette River, approximately 7.5 river miles downstream of Willamette Falls.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who is recreating on the Willamette River between Oregon City and Milwaukie to please report any items or information that may assist searchers in their efforts.
Further updates will be provided as available.
ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION WANTED: Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at: http://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip
CCSO case #25-007630
[END UPDATE]
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EARLIER (April 13, 2025): Sheriff’s Office continues search for missing kayaker in Willamette River
Search and rescue efforts resumed for the missing kayaker Sunday morning, April 13, 2025. Members of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas Fire District, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Lake Oswego Fire Department are actively involved in the ongoing operation.
At approximately 7:15 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard located the missing subject’s blue hard-shell kayak. The kayak was then recovered by members of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit.
Search efforts remain underway this afternoon with the continued use of both marine and aerial drone resources. Clackamas Search and Rescue (CSAR) volunteers have also joined the search.
At this time, the identity of the missing man is not being released. The family has respectfully requested privacy and has requested no contact from the media.
[END UPDATE]
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EARLIER (April 13, 2025): Kayaker reported missing after going over Willamette Falls
CCSO case #25-007630
At approximately 10:52 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, multiple 911 callers reported observing a kayaker in distress on the Willamette River, just upstream of Willamette Falls in Oregon City. A short time later, witnesses stated the individual, a lone adult male, was seen going over the falls and did not resurface.
Emergency responders from the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium, including Clackamas Fire District #1, Lake Oswego Fire Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, quickly initiated a coordinated search effort. They were supported on land by additional personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, Canby Police Department, Oregon City Police Department, and the West Linn Police Department.
To enhance the search operation, aerial support was provided by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft from the Portland Police Bureau.
Despite extensive efforts, the individual has not yet been located. Search efforts are resuming Sunday morning.
The missing individual was last seen operating a blue hard-shell kayak. His identity is being withheld pending further developments. The Sheriff’s Office will release additional updates when available.
The Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium is a collaborative partnership between the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas Fire District #1, Lake Oswego Fire Department, and Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue.
ADDITIONAL TIPS & INFORMATION WANTED: Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line -- by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form at: http://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip
CCSO case #25-007630
[END]
Sergeant Hayden Sanders, Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Communications Unit
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