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Updated Release by Sgt. William Bailey - Public Information Officer
This morning, July 8, 2019, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office marine patrol deputies continued their search for Michael Mead, the man missing and presumed drowned at Wickiup Reservoir. Todays efforts included side scan sonar search equipment provided courtesy of community members Patty Mayo and Jared Leisek of Redmond. At just after 1:00pm today while search efforts were underway, the body of Michael Mead was located on the surface of the water within the Davis arm of Wickiup Reservoir. Mr. Mead has since been recovered from the water and is being taken to a local funeral home.
Our thoughts are with Mr. Mead’s family and friends as they go through this difficult time and mourn the loss of their loved one.
A special thank you to Patty Mayo and Jared Leisek with Adventures with Purpose for donating the side scan sonar search equipment today.
### End of Update ###
Released by: Sergeant William Bailey - Public Information Officer
Release Date: June 13, 2019
Missing/Presumed Drowned: Mead, Michael Age: 29, Bend, Oregon
Description: 5' 6" tall, 170 pounds, Brown hair, blue eyes, with tatoos
Second Person: Ganley, Daniel, Age: 24, Bend, Oregon
*********************Updated Press release as of 6/14/19 at 5:00 p.m.**************************
Updated Narrative:
On 6/14/19, the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit, including Marine Patrol Units and Detectives continued the search for Michael Mead at Wickiup Reservoir. Additionally, Marine Patrol assets from the Klamath County Sheriff's Office also assisted in the search for Mead, utlizing their Side Scanning Sonar unit.
Unfortunately, after throughly searching the areas in the vicinity of the capsized canoe and likely recovery areas, Mead's body has not been located. Mead's next of kin has been notified of the incident and the investigation at this point. Mead has been entered as a missing person. Mead is described as a white male, 5'6" tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing no shoes, no shirt and possibly either black pants or black shorts.
In the following days, Marine Patrol units from the Deschutes County Special Services Unit will continue to conduct patrols in the area, searching for Mead.
Anyone with further information on this investigation is asked to contact the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office at 541-693-6911.
NARRATIVE:
On June 13th, 2019, at approximately 9:06am, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a drowning on the Davis arm of Wickiup Reservoir. Deputies, along with members of Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Marine Patrol, responded to the scene.
The investigation has determined the two Bend men were camping last night in a dispersed camping area off the Davis arm of Wickiup Reservoir. Overnight, both males and a dog had been out on the Davis arm in a canoe. At approximately 2:00am the canoe overturned sending both males and the dog into the water. A 24 year old Bend man and the dog were able to successfully swim to shore. A 29 year old Bend man is still missing and presumed drowned.
Given the isolated location of the incident and no known way to make a call for help or drive to find help, the 24 year old Bend man waited at camp. At about 9:05 this morning, an out of service cell phone was located in camp and he then made the 911 call for assistance.
A DCSO Search and Rescue dive team and a DCSO drone team have assisted with the search. The dive team has located gear from the boat on the lake floor in approximately 20 feet of water. Search efforts are focused in this area and will continue into the evening.
Neither male was wearing a lifejacket when the canoe overturned. Alcohol is believed to be a contributing in this incident. The names are being withheld at this time, pending notification of next of kin. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
##End of Release##