Clackamas County, Oregon – On the afternoon of May 4, 2025, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced that it had recovered a body along the shores of the Willamette River near Meldrum Bar Park, a popular recreational area in Gladstone, Oregon. The discovery of the body, which was found in a difficult-to-reach location, has raised questions about its connection to a kayaker who had gone missing earlier in April—20-year-old Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez from Porterville, California.

Rodriguez, a kayaker, was last seen on the evening of April 30, 2025, when he went over Willamette Falls, a dangerous and well-known waterfall located along the Willamette River. His disappearance had shocked the local community, and a search effort was launched immediately following the incident. This latest discovery, while not yet confirmed, has led investigators to believe that the recovered body could indeed be that of Rodriguez, though they must wait for confirmation from the Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office.

This tragic incident has drawn significant attention to the dangers posed by the Willamette River and its powerful falls, which have claimed the lives of others in the past. The story also highlights the vulnerability of those who may not be familiar with the river’s hazards, raising broader questions about safety and awareness for recreational activities in this area.

Background: The Willamette River and Meldrum Bar Park

The Willamette River is one of the most important rivers in Oregon, running through the heart of the state and serving as a key waterway for transportation, industry, and recreation. The river flows northward, joining the Columbia River in Portland, and is an essential part of the Pacific Northwest’s natural landscape. Known for its scenic beauty, it is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Meldrum Bar Park, located in Gladstone, Oregon, is one of the many parks situated along the Willamette River. It offers picturesque views, hiking trails, and access to the river’s shores, making it a popular location for locals and visitors alike. The park’s proximity to the Willamette Falls, however, can create dangerous conditions, particularly for those unfamiliar with the area’s swift currents and the deadly power of the falls.

Willamette Falls, a majestic and awe-inspiring waterfall, is located just a few miles downstream from Meldrum Bar Park. The falls are one of the largest in the Pacific Northwest, and they have become a focal point for both tourism and local recreation. However, despite its beauty, the falls are notoriously dangerous for those venturing too close, with powerful currents that can easily overpower even experienced kayakers. The risks associated with the falls are compounded by the fact that many people, particularly visitors, may not fully understand the severity of the river’s force.

The discovery of the body near Meldrum Bar Park is significant because it highlights the hazards of the Willamette River and the need for greater safety measures for those engaging in water activities in the area. This incident also underscores the importance of understanding local geography and being aware of the dangers inherent in natural landscapes.

The Disappearance of Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez

Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez, a 20-year-old kayaker from Porterville, California, had been missing since the night of April 30, 2025. According to reports, Rodriguez was kayaking on the Willamette River when he went over Willamette Falls. Eyewitness accounts, including 911 calls obtained by local news station KATU News, revealed the chaotic moments before Rodriguez disappeared.

At around 10:50 p.m. on April 30, three individuals from a nearby homeless camp near Willamette Falls called emergency services to report that they had seen Rodriguez struggling in the water. The callers described Rodriguez as hanging onto a structure near the falls and calling for help. Despite their frantic attempts to provide authorities with their location, it appears that their descriptions were not precise enough to allow for a swift response, leading to confusion and delays in rescue efforts.

The individuals who called for help reported hearing Rodriguez’s desperate cries for assistance, but they were unable to give an exact location. Authorities later surmised that Rodriguez had launched from a floating home community located less than a mile upstream from the falls. Given the timing and nature of the incident, it is believed that Rodriguez was unaware of the falls’ presence and was caught off guard by the force of the river as it carried him toward the dangerous drop.

The 911 calls also suggest that Rodriguez may have been unfamiliar with the area, as he was not aware of the falls in his path. The lack of proper knowledge about the river’s dangers may have contributed to the tragic turn of events. The calls also indicate a sense of urgency and panic from the bystanders, who were unable to assist Rodriguez due to the difficulty in pinpointing the exact location where he was stranded.

Following the initial 911 calls, emergency responders, including local search and rescue teams, launched an extensive search for Rodriguez. The search efforts continued for several days, but as the days passed, the chances of finding Rodriguez alive grew increasingly slim. His disappearance sent a wave of grief through his family, friends, and the community, as they held onto hope for a safe return.

The Recovery of the Body: What We Know So Far

On the afternoon of May 4, 2025, CCSO deputies were called to the scene near Meldrum Bar Park after receiving reports of a body along the shore of the Willamette River. The body was located in a particularly difficult-to-reach area along the shoreline, which posed significant challenges for recovery efforts. The Sheriff’s Marine Unit, which specializes in water-related rescues, responded to the scene to assist with the recovery of the body.

The location of the body, near Meldrum Bar Park, is approximately a few miles downstream from Willamette Falls, which is where Rodriguez was believed to have gone over the waterfall. While the body has not yet been officially identified, authorities are treating it as a possible match for Rodriguez, given the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. The Clackamas County Medical Examiner’s Office has been called to the scene and will conduct an investigation to confirm the identity of the deceased.

The recovery of the body marks a somber end to the search for Rodriguez, though it is important to note that the family and authorities will await a formal identification before making any final determinations. It remains unclear whether Rodriguez was able to survive the fall over the falls or if he succumbed to the river’s currents after being pulled under.

The Role of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Response Teams

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office has been at the forefront of the investigation and recovery efforts. The Sheriff’s Office responded quickly to the reports of a body along the river, dispatching deputies to the scene shortly after receiving the call. The Marine Unit, a specialized team trained in water recovery operations, played a crucial role in the successful recovery of the body. Their experience in navigating difficult water terrain and handling delicate recovery situations ensured that the body was recovered efficiently and respectfully.

The CCSO’s handling of the situation has been praised by some local officials, who highlighted the department’s swift response to the incident. However, the events surrounding Rodriguez’s disappearance also point to potential areas for improvement in emergency response systems, particularly in terms of the effectiveness of the 911 calls and the ability of dispatchers to quickly identify the exact location of incidents in remote or difficult-to-access areas.

The Importance of Awareness and Safety

Rodriguez’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by water bodies, particularly for individuals who may not be familiar with the terrain. Kayaking, while a popular and enjoyable activity, can be incredibly dangerous when navigated in unfamiliar waters, especially near powerful waterfalls like Willamette Falls. This incident highlights the need for greater awareness and education about the potential hazards of outdoor recreation in such areas.

Local authorities may need to consider implementing additional safety measures in and around the Willamette River, including better signage warning of the falls, increased river patrols, and more comprehensive educational programs for those engaging in water sports. While kayaking remains a beloved activity in Oregon, these tragedies serve as a call to action for increased safety and awareness, particularly in areas known for their hidden dangers.

In the wake of Rodriguez’s disappearance and presumed death, there has been a renewed call for improved safety measures for water-based recreation. Local advocacy groups and residents are pushing for changes that would ensure the safety of all visitors to the Willamette River, especially those who may be unfamiliar with its hazards.

The Emotional Impact on Family and Friends

The loss of Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez is a heartbreaking tragedy for his family, friends, and the community. Rodriguez was described by those who knew him as an adventurous and kind-hearted young man who loved the outdoors. His family, still processing the loss, has spoken about their grief and the difficulties of understanding how such a tragic event could have unfolded.

The emotional toll on Rodriguez’s loved ones is immense, and the waiting period for confirmation of his identity only deepens the pain. As the investigation continues, his family has expressed their desire for closure and their hope that the community will rally around them in support during this incredibly difficult time.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

As the investigation into Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez’s death continues, the Willamette River will remain a site of both beauty and danger. For those who knew Rodriguez and for the wider Clackamas County community, his death serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of the river. The incident will undoubtedly lead to increased conversations around safety and the importance of proper precautions when engaging in water-based recreation.

With the ongoing investigation and the confirmation of the body’s identity, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide updates as necessary. Meanwhile, the family of Rodriguez mourns the loss of their loved one, and the community stands in solidarity with them, hoping for closure and reflecting on the lessons learned from this tragic event.