HILLSBORO, Ore. – A calm summer paddle on the Tualatin River turned into a chilling scene last week when a kayaker made a discovery no one wants to stumble upon.
According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the kayaker found a human body part floating near Rood Bridge Park on August 8. Deputies responded immediately and detectives from the Washington County Major Crimes Team joined the investigation.
“This incident is absolutely concerning,” said public information officer David Huey.
The following day, search crews found a second body part about a mile downstream from the original location. Investigators are not revealing exactly which parts were recovered, but authorities say they are treating this as a homicide investigation unless they find evidence to rule that out.
Based on the level of decomposition, investigators believe this is a more recent case. The exact amount of time the remains were in the water has not been determined.
Multiple agencies have joined the search, including marine units and dive teams from Clackamas County as well as search and rescue K9 units from Columbia County. Ground searchers combed the riverbanks for additional evidence.
Despite the disturbing nature of the discovery, investigators say there is currently no indication of a threat to the public.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who finds human remains in the future to take a photograph or record GPS coordinates if possible, then immediately call 911 and leave the remains in place.
Anyone with information who has not spoken to detectives is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 503 846 2500 and reference case number 50 25 11037.
