Body of Man Missing Since February Recovered in Clackamas River

The body of a Gladstone man who had been missing since February was found in the Clackamas River at Clackamette Park in Oregon City Friday.

Clackamas County deputies said a snorkeler reported seeing the body downstream from the McLoughlin Bridge.

The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the scene along with Oregon City Police, Gladstone Police, Clackamas Fire District and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. The body was located, submerged in about 12 feet of water.

Police described the remains as in state of “extreme” decomposition, with investigators unable to immediately determine the person’s identity or cause of death.

The body was identified Monday as belonging to Christopher Kevin Copp, 43, a man who had reportedly not been seen since leaving his house on Feb. 15, 2021, after experiencing a behavioral health incident.

Christopher Kevin Copp. Courtesy Gladstone Police.

Gladstone police said Copp had a “history of traumatic brain injury” and had been contacted by law enforcement earlier that day.

Copp left his house in February without his cellphone, wallet or cash. Police said they believed Copp may have been living on the streets in the Portland area.

An autopsy will be performed at the Oregon State Police Crime Lab to determine cause of death.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line — by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online email form. Please reference CCSO case no. 21-015585.

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