Josephine Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Recovery Of Human Remains - 07/17/26

RELEASE DATE: July 17, 2026

                                                           

INCIDENT: Recovery of Human Remains

 

INCIDENT DATE: July 16, 2026

 

CASE NUMBER: 26-18588

                        

DETAILS: On Thursday, July 16, 2026, around 12:15pm, a member of the Josephine County Search and Rescue (SAR) team was checking along Reuben Mountain beyond the Grave Creek Bridge. Based on observations along the roadside, they suspected human remains were in the area.

 

Due to lack of cell phone service in the area, the SAR member began driving back towards Merlin to make phone contact with investigators. They came upon Troopers from the Oregon State Police and a Deputy from the Sheriff’s Office at the Galice Resort and relayed their observations.

 

Troopers and the Deputy responded to the reported area and traversed down the steep, rugged terrain where a deceased person was located.

 

Detectives from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office then responded to the scene with a rope team from Josephine County SAR.

 

The rope team was able to successfully recover the deceased person, whom Investigators believe to be Randall “Randy” Hecker; however, confirmation will still need to be completed during a pending autopsy with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. 

 

Next of kin have been notified by Investigators.  Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Randy Hecker during this difficult time.

 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the participating agencies and the public for their assistance in searching for Randy Hecker. A special thank you goes out to a very dedicated SAR member who made this discovery and the SAR rope team that were successful in recovering Hecker in such treacherous conditions.  The Josephine County Search and Rescue team has one paid Deputy and numerous volunteers from the community who donate their time, skills and ability to serving Josephine County. 

Recovery Of Human Remains - 07/17/26

RELEASE DATE: July 17, 2026

                                                           

INCIDENT: Recovery of Human Remains

 

INCIDENT DATE: July 16, 2026

 

CASE NUMBER: 26-18588

                        

DETAILS: On Thursday, July 16, 2026, around 12:15pm, a member of the Josephine County Search and Rescue (SAR) team was checking along Reuben Mountain beyond the Grave Creek Bridge. Based on observations along the roadside, they suspected human remains were in the area.

 

Due to lack of cell phone service in the area, the SAR member began driving back towards Merlin to make phone contact with investigators. They came upon Troopers from the Oregon State Police and a Deputy from the Sheriff’s Office at the Galice Resort and relayed their observations.

 

Troopers and the Deputy responded to the reported area and traversed down the steep, rugged terrain where a deceased person was located.

 

Detectives from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office then responded to the scene with a rope team from Josephine County SAR.

 

The rope team was able to successfully recover the deceased person, whom Investigators believe to be Randall “Randy” Hecker; however, confirmation will still need to be completed during a pending autopsy with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. 

 

Next of kin have been notified by Investigators.  Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Randy Hecker during this difficult time.

 

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the participating agencies and the public for their assistance in searching for Randy Hecker. A special thank you goes out to a very dedicated SAR member who made this discovery and the SAR rope team that were successful in recovering Hecker in such treacherous conditions.  The Josephine County Search and Rescue team has one paid Deputy and numerous volunteers from the community who donate their time, skills and ability to serving Josephine County.