A body has been found in the search for a college student who has been missing in Oregon for two weeks.
KATU reports that Portland Police found a body in the Willamette River on Sunday, two weeks after Owen Klinger was last seen on campus at the University of Portland. On October 6, the 18-year-old freshman reportedly told his roommates he was going to a lacrosse team meeting, but did not attend. Later that night, as KATU previously reported, Klinger was captured on video taken from a city bus that showed him crossing the street near North Willamette Boulevard and Portsmouth.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, police said last week that Klinger may have been walking in the direction of freight trains, and indicated that investigators were considering the possibility that he had left voluntarily, as he had reportedly watched videos about hopping freight trains before his disappearance.
While a medical examiner has not yet confirmed the identity of the body found in the river, Klinger’s parents reportedly believe it is their son.
“Portland police have notified us that they have recovered a body that we believe is our son, Owen Klinger. We deeply appreciate the extraordinary effort and support that thousands of people have provided over the past two weeks. We now ask for privacy as we move forward with our healing process,” Mary and Dustin Klinger said in a statement obtained by KATU.
The University of Portland also issued a statement about Klinger’s presumed death:
“Based upon conversations with family representatives and law enforcement, the University joins the Klinger family in their belief that Owen, their son and our community member, has died. An official statement from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming Owen’s death is forthcoming. Owen’s family has requested privacy at this time. May we all pray for Owen’s eternal rest, for consolation for his family and friends, and for abiding hope within our University community.”
Authorities have not indicated how Klinger is believed to have died. According to earlier reports, Klinger appeared to be thriving at school and there was no indication that he was struggling with personal problems.
This is a developing story. CrimeOnline will provide further updates when more information is available.
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