BCSO Identifies Deceased Man Found In Willamette River
- 12/10/25
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has identified the man found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025, as Jonathan Avery Smith, 34, of Albany.
Smith was identified after investigators received tips in response to the tattoo images released on December 9. Next of kin were notified promptly so the family did not learn of his death through the news. He had not been reported as a missing person.
Deputies recovered Smith around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. He had been in the river for several days prior to recovery.
BCSO thanks the community for sharing the tattoo images and assisting in the identification process.
Anyone who has information that may help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 541-753-8477 (TIPS).
Further information will be released as the investigation progresses and as appropriate.
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BCSO Identifies Deceased Man Found In Willamette River
- 12/10/25
CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has identified the man found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025, as Jonathan Avery Smith, 34, of Albany.
Smith was identified after investigators received tips in response to the tattoo images released on December 9. Next of kin were notified promptly so the family did not learn of his death through the news. He had not been reported as a missing person.
Deputies recovered Smith around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. He had been in the river for several days prior to recovery.
BCSO thanks the community for sharing the tattoo images and assisting in the identification process.
Anyone who has information that may help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 541-753-8477 (TIPS).
Further information will be released as the investigation progresses and as appropriate.
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