Lane County, OR Recovery: Deceased Person Found in McKenzie River

Eugene, OR – Authorities are investigating after a deceased person was recovered from the McKenzie River near Eugene on Thursday afternoon, following a multi-agency emergency response.

According to the Lane County Sheriff's Office, deputies received a report at about 2 p.m. Thursday of a person seen in the McKenzie River downstream from the Armitage Park boat launch.

Marine Patrol deputies, Lane County Sheriff Search & Rescue personnel and Eugene Springfield Fire responded to the area.

Using a jet boat, sheriff's deputies traveled downriver and located the person, according to the agency. Authorities said the individual was beyond aid and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Deputies and fire personnel then safely recovered the person from the river and brought the body back to shore.

The Lane County Medical Examiner's Office was notified following the recovery. The deceased person was transported to the Lane County Morgue as officials continued their investigation.

Authorities have not publicly released the person's identity or provided information about how the individual ended up in the river. The sheriff's office said no additional information was available for release at the time of its update.

The McKenzie River runs through Lane County and reaches the Eugene-Springfield area. Armitage Park is located along the river north of Eugene, making the incident relevant to residents and recreation users across the metro area.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional details could be released by authorities as they become available.