‘Truly devastated’: Missing kayaker identified after going over Willamette Falls

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A kayaker who went missing over the weekend near Willamette Falls in Oregon City has been identified as the search continues to recover his body, authorities said.

The family of 20-year-old Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez said in a statement that they are “truly devastated” after learning of this “tragic event.”

Rodriguez is from Porterville, California, and went missing on the Willamette River in

Oregon City on April 12, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office said.

“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,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

Shortly after multiple 911 callers reported a kayaker in distress just upstream of the falls in the late evening of Saturday, April 12, “witnesses stated the individual, a lone adult male, was seen going over the falls and did not resurface,” officials said.

Despite an “extensive” search effort involving multiple agencies — including a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter and a fixed-wing aircraft from the Portland Police Bureau — Marcelus has not been located. However, the search along the river continues to locate him and “bring closure to Marcelus’ family” through the use of the Clackamas Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit, authorities said.

The family of Marcelus Rodriguez issued 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.”