4/21/26 - LCSO Case 26-0867 - Missing Person Located Deceased In Vida Area (Photo) - 04/22/26
During the past several weeks, Lane County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue has continued searching the Gate Creek area for 42-year-old Michael Trevor Owen Naughton of Eugene. Naughton was reported missing on February 19th, and his vehicle was located by SAR that night in the Gate Creek area. SAR continued searching, including with search K9s, drones, and resources from numerous partner agencies, including helicopters.
Since the initial search, SAR and detectives have also been working closely and sharing information with a private investigator hired by the family of Naughton. Together, they have covered miles of terrain and spent hundreds of hours searching.
On April 21st, the private investigator notified the Sheriff’s Office he had located Naughton on an abandoned spur road more than a mile east of his vehicle. The road was littered with downed timber from the Holiday Farm fire. SAR volunteers responded with deputies and spent several hours clearing a trail with chainsaws and conducting the recovery.
At this time, there is no indication a crime occurred.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the private investigator who collaborated on this search, as well as the many staff, volunteers, and partner organizations that assisted, and continue to search for those missing in other cases.
