Woodburn Man Dies From Fall at Silver Falls State Park

Preliminary investigation indicates Daniel Bonham slipped while hiking and fell about 100 feet to where he was found.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - (Editor's note: The man referenced in this press release, Dan Bonham, had recently inquired about joining the Salem-News.com team, he was a private investigator and had very good intentions about investigating corruption in the state of Oregon.

In searching for our past correspondence today, I found that Mr. Bonham had actually submitted his first story in early February, and much to my regret, I failed to see the email, and as a result the story was not published until today, you can see it here: Occupy the LegislatureDaniel F. Bonham Salem-News.com)

56-year old Daniel Frank Bonham of Woodburn, died Friday night after apparently slipping and falling to his death while hiking in Silver Falls State Park. Oregon State Police (OSP), with the assistance of Marion County Sheriffs Office and the medical examiner, are continuing the investigation. Mr. Bonham's body was recovered Saturday morning.

On March 2, 2012 at 10:20 p.m. OSP received a report that Daniel Frank Bonham was overdue after going hiking earlier in the day at Silver Falls State Park. OSP troopers, State Park rangers and Marion County Sheriffs Office Search & Rescue responded to the park at approximately 11:15 p.m. and began searching for the hiker.

At approximately 2:45 a.m. State Park rangers spotted the man's body near Winter Falls. The medical examiner was notified and an OSP detective responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Due darkness, difficult terrain, and ice and snow on the trails, the recovery of Mr. Bonham's body started about 7:00 a.m. Recovery effort was coordinated by Marion County Search & Rescue.

Preliminary investigation indicates Daniel Bonham slipped while hiking and fell about 100 feet to where he was found. Family members told investigators he was a frequent park visitor who knew the area well.