Local News

The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is seeking public assistance in a possible missing person investigation along the Wild and Scenic Rogue River.

On Friday at about 4:45 p.m., the Sheriff's Office received a citizen report of a backpack and dog leash that were found on the Rogue River Trail and there appeared to be no sign of a person or dog in the area.

The reporting party stated that they noticed the backpack on their way down the trail. Upon seeing the backpack and belongings still in place later that afternoon on their way out, the citizen made a report to the Sheriff's Office.

A sheriff's deputy hiked the trail Saturday and located the backpack on the trail approximately one mile northwest of the Grave Creek Boat Ramp. A search with verbal callouts did not locate a person or dog. A drone was also utilized to try to locate anyone, but that effort was also unsuccessful.

Further investigation revealed the backpack had possibly been in that location since last Wednesday. The contents of the backpack suggested the owner was preparing to start a multi-day camping trip and items in the backpack did not appear to have been used. There was also no identifying information located.

The Sheriff's Office is concerned the owner of the backpack may have become injured or lost. So far, no missing person reports have been filed that match the situation nor is there any evidence of foul play.

The Sheriff's Office is actively trying to locate the owner of the backpack. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please call (541)-474-5123.