Body Found at Clatsop Beach Identified as Portland Man

Coastal activities are often wrought with risk.

Clatsop Beach, Oregon Photo: galenfrysinger.com

(ASTORIA, Ore.) - 63-year old William Don Harris from Portland, Oregon has been identified as the deceased male found on Clatsop Beach wearing a life jacket with an unoccupied kayak nearby Wednesday evening. On June 24, 2009 at about 6:45 PM, Oregon State Police troopers and Clatsop County deputies were dispatched to a deceased body that had been located on Clatsop Beach, about five miles north of Seaside.

Investigators at the scene surmised that the man was likely kayaking prior to his death.

The cause of death appears to accidental drowning and there is no foul play suspected, according to Oregon State Police.

Oregon State Police from the Portland area command were able to contact family of Mr. Harris.

OSP troopers were assisted at the scene by Clatsop County Medical Examiner, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, and Gearhart Fire Department.