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News Release

Tragic Conclusion: Deceased Woman Found Near Home In Salem Missing Person Investigation - 03/15/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 15, 2026 

 

Tragic Conclusion: Deceased Woman Found Near Home in Salem Missing Person Investigation 

 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 15, 2026, at about 11:50 a.m., Hisako Gaunce, 93, of Salem, was found deceased following a missing person report. 

 

Hisako was reported missing in the 5000 block of Gaffin Road SE by her family after they discovered she had not returned from an early morning walk. 

 

Officers canvassed the area, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue and an Oregon State Police tracking canine responded to assist with the search. Shortly before noon, the canine located Hisako in Mill Creek, approximately 200 yards from her family's apartment. 

 

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office was notified, and a Marion County Medical Examiner responded to the scene. At this time, there is no criminal investigation. 

 

The Salem Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and would like to thank the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police for their assistance in this investigation. 

 

For further inquiries, please contact the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

  

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Tragic Conclusion: Deceased Woman Found Near Home In Salem Missing Person Investigation - 03/15/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 15, 2026 

 

Tragic Conclusion: Deceased Woman Found Near Home in Salem Missing Person Investigation 

 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 15, 2026, at about 11:50 a.m., Hisako Gaunce, 93, of Salem, was found deceased following a missing person report. 

 

Hisako was reported missing in the 5000 block of Gaffin Road SE by her family after they discovered she had not returned from an early morning walk. 

 

Officers canvassed the area, and the Marion County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue and an Oregon State Police tracking canine responded to assist with the search. Shortly before noon, the canine located Hisako in Mill Creek, approximately 200 yards from her family's apartment. 

 

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office was notified, and a Marion County Medical Examiner responded to the scene. At this time, there is no criminal investigation. 

 

The Salem Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time and would like to thank the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Oregon State Police for their assistance in this investigation. 

 

For further inquiries, please contact the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

  

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