Body of Missing Silverton Man Recovered

Luke Troseth had been the subject of an ongoing search, officials believe he took his own life.

Luke Troseth's photo courtesy: Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles

(SILVERTON, Ore.) - A missing Silverton-area man was found deceased Saturday afternoon by divers in the South Falls pool at Silver Falls State Park. Family members reported the man missing to Silverton Police on November 17th, and preliminary investigation indicates no signs of foul play and that he took his own life.

20-year old Luke Troseth has been the subject of a search by Oregon State Parks and Oregon State Police in the area of the park's south falls and surrounding area.

The search effort started last weekend after some personal property was found dangerously close to the top edge above the south falls in a restricted area. A shoe was also found in the falls' pool.

Linn County Sheriff's Office divers searched the pool November 17th below the falls but dangerous water conditions caused them to suspend their efforts after an hour. They also searched again on November 21st. High water flows and reduced visibility hampered their work.

Witnesses had reported seeing a man matching the description of Mr. Troseth walking near the park and falls' area on Thursday evening, November 15th.

Water flows were lower on November 24th, officials said. At 7:30 AM, trained dogs from Marion County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue began searching the area at the base of the south falls and displayed indications of interest on the east side of the falls' pool.

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Divers from Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue went into the 39 degree water and found Mr. Troseth in about nine feet of water.

The man's family was standing by at the park and were notified with the help of Crisis Chaplaincy Center. Additional assistance provided by Marion County Medical Examiner.

The main day use area at Silver Falls was closed during each search, but resumed regular hours of operation today.