Seven bodies have been pulled from the waterways in the area of Portland, Oregon in the past few weeks – but local authorities say it’s not unusual.
“Last year, in April and May, we recovered at least six bodies from our waterways. As of today, we are at seven,” according to Deputy John Plock, a public information officer with the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. He said the number falls within the expected range, but added: “It is possible there will be more.”
The bodies have been recovered from various waterways, including the Willamette River and the Columbia River, since April 13. Two were recovered over the weekend.
On Sunday, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit recovered a body along the Willamette River north of Meldrum Bar Park, who investigators believe may be Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, according to the sheriff’s office.
Rodriguez, a 20-year-old kayaker from Porterville, California, has been missing since April 12 when a witness reported seeing a kayaker in distress and said they saw the man go over the edge of Willamette falls, KGW reported. He never resurfaced.
Investigators say that Rodriguez and his family were on vacation in the area and that Rodriguez, who was last seen kayaking, may not have known the falls were there, according to a press release.
Just two days later, the blue kayak the man was last seen in was recovered near Elk Rock Island, about 7.5 river miles downstream of Willamette Falls, the sheriff’s office said.
The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to determine the identity of the body pulled from the Willamette River on Sunday.
At least three of the bodies have been identified, KPTV reported.
On April 13, the body of 32-year-old Daniel Alcazar was found in the Willamette River near Swan Island.
On April 15, the body of 24-year-old Rachel Mobley was found in the Multnomah Channel.
And on April 18, the body of 52-year-old Brandon Williams of Portland was found floating in the Willamette near the St. John’s Bridge.
On April 24, a body was recovered from the Columbia River near Hayden Island, and on April 30, another body was recovered in the Willamette River near Terminal 4. Two more bodies, including the one believed to be Rodriguez were found over the weekend.
Investigations are continuing to look into how the people found in the river died. It is not currently known whether any of them were victims of crime.
Deputy Plock told reporters that there are several factors that contribute to the increased number of recoveries – including warmer water temperatures, which accelerate the natural decomposition process, causing bodies to rise to the surface more quickly.
“As the weather improves, more individuals engage in activities on and near the water, such as fishing and boating,” he added. “This increased presence of people leads to a higher likelihood of previously undiscovered remains being observed and reported.”
Trump orders reopening and expansion of notorious Alcatraz prison
Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services
How Alcatraz became America's most notorious prison
Trump administration to pay immigrants in U.S. illegally $1,000 to self-deport: Live
At least three dead after boat overturns near San Diego: Crews search for survivors
Shedeur Sanders fan sues NFL for ‘emotional distress’ caused by low draft pick
