Search for Missing Teen in Sandy River Unsuccessful

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Winding Down Search Efforts Along Sandy River

Salem-News.com

(CLACKAMAS, Ore.) - The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, Search & Rescue mission on the Sandy River attempting to locate a missing Sandy teenager who is presumed drowned, was concluded late Sunday afternoon. Detective Jim Strovink with the Clackamas Sheriff's Office, says all efforts to locate Patrick Monteith have failed.

He says eight ground searchers from Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue volunteered their time and expertise Sunday and continuing the ground search along the banks of the Sandy River.

"These specialized groups of searchers, wearing personal flotation devices, searched the rivers edge below the old Marmot Dam location and were unsuccessful in their efforts to locate the missing teen known as Patrick Monteith, of Sandy," Strovink said.

"Unfortunately, Mother Nature retains an unyielding grip on the conditions of the Sandy River. This river is running very cloudy and cold; which, is attributed to the persistent snow runoff from Mount Hood, creating only about 4" of murky visibility in the swift moving water."

Strovink adds that once again, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office extends a huge thank you to all the volunteers who respond to the call and need. These volunteer organizations are the unrelenting force, dedicated to serve, providing the expertise required in the most grueling of conditions here in Clackamas County. Thank you! Our hearts and most devout times are with the family and friends of Patrick Monteith, who remains missing.