Family of 20-Year-Old Who Vanished While Kayaking at Night Say They’re Trying to ‘Come to Terms with Our Loss’

The Rodriguez family is currently going through a tough time dealing with the disappearance of their 20-year-old son, Marcelus Angelo Rodriguez. Marcelus went missing while kayaking on the Willamette River in Oregon on the night of April 12. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office released a statement revealing that despite his kayak being discovered around 7.5 miles downstream of Willamette Falls the next day, Marcelus remains unaccounted for.

His family expressed their devastation over the situation, stating that they would not wish this experience upon anyone. They are struggling to come to terms with the tragic event that has befallen them. Marcelus, who had arrived in the area with his family for a vacation, ventured out kayaking on the Willamette River late at night, which ultimately led to this unfortunate incident.

Reports indicated that multiple individuals phoned emergency services just upstream of Willamette Falls upon witnessing a kayaker in distress shortly before 11:00 p.m. local time. Witnesses disclosed that the lone adult male kayaker was seen going over the falls and failing to resurface. Witnesses at the scene, including Carlos Acosta and Nathan Billman, made frantic 911 calls reporting the distressing situation.

Carlos Acosta, one of the witnesses, could be heard urgently seeking help for the kayaker over the phone, emphasizing the severity of the emergency. Other reports detailed that the kayaker was observed struggling in the water and calling out for assistance as he went over the edge of the waterfall. The community rallied together, with emergency responders and locals aiding in the search efforts to locate Marcelus.

The following day, Marcelus’ kayak was located near Elk Rock Island, several river miles away from Willamette Falls. Despite exhaustive search attempts by officials, Marcelus remains missing. The Rodriguez family extended their gratitude towards the first responders and the community for their support during this challenging time. They emphasised the importance of caution when engaging in water activities as nature’s elements can swiftly turn treacherous.

As search operations continue to locate Marcelus, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit is actively involved in the efforts to bring closure to the family. The family’s heartfelt statement underscored Marcelus’ love for God, family, and nature, and they hoped that others can learn from this tragedy to prevent similar incidents in the future. As they grapple with their loss, the Rodriguez family remains appreciative of the ongoing search and the outpouring of support from those involved.

The Rodriguez family’s emotional plea serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent dangers involved in water activities and the importance of staying vigilant and cautious. Their message resonates with the community as they navigate through this challenging period, holding onto hope for Marcelus’ safe return while facing the harsh reality of the situation.