Salem Man Missing After Falling from Oregon Coast Cliff

(DEPOE BAY, Ore.) - A Salem man is missing after he reportedly fell off a cliff at Rocky Creek State Park wayside about two miles south of Depoe Bay while visiting the area with his wife and friend Friday evening.

An area search continued today with the help of US Coast Guard and local agencies.

Friday at approximately 6:00 PM, 43-year old Brian Albert Wells of Salem, reportedly stopped at Rocky Creek State Park wayside with his 54-year old wife and a 62-year old male friend to take pictures.

His wife and friend said they had traveled to the coast for the day and stopped at a wayside to take photographs. They said that Mr. Wells was leaning over the edge to take pictures when he lost his balance.

Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Depoe Bay Fire & Rescue, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel responded. Brian was last seen by his wife and friend in the water.

An area search with the help of a Coast Guard helicopter was suspended at 11:00 PM. The search efforts resumed Saturday morning.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Coast Guard at North Bend told Salem-News that the search was suspended this afternoon.

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Debbie L. Wells September 5, 2023 5:13 pm (Pacific time)

I feel it’s ridiculous that the lack of effort in finding Brian was so limited. He was a wonderful man who didn’t deserve this. I pray someday that he will be discovered and those involved will be prosecuted. He was loved by so many friends and family. We will never give up until justice is had and we have answers. I truly believe that this was not an accident and some how this got swept under the carpet. Wherever you are Brian, we will never give up looking for you until our family has justice! I know Brian and he was not a clumsy person at all and he had a strong head on his shoulders. He would have never put hisself in jeopardy!

Brian O'Brien April 7, 2022 4:48 pm (Pacific time)

Brian was a longtime friend and this is still not closed. Something will turn up some day and nowhere near the ocean. This haunts me every day. There was no sunset that night, checked and confirmed with detective, the camera didn't go over with him, his shoes were found but nothing else. I believe Brian never got close to the coast that night, he is somewhere else and pray some hunter or someone will find him. Murdered and yes, the dynamic of his wife and "friend" was much different than is known here. Plenty of motive, Brian's efforts including leaving his job, etc are all huge factors and motive.

Anonymous March 12, 2021 11:01 pm (Pacific time)

I’m opening this case

Sam June 4, 2015 3:33 pm (Pacific time)

Did they ever find his body?

Amy June 18, 2013 3:25 pm (Pacific time)

Still wishing there were answers to this.... It's been way too long!

Amy, please write to me at newsroom@salem-news.com, I don't have fresh info but we should catch up thanks, Tim

Charlene Wells August 31, 2012 11:26 pm (Pacific time)

I still dont have closure to my fathers death... its been 4 years now and im wondering around on this web site.. wish TAMMY had more answers THANK YOU AMY for putting your concerns out on here..

Editor: I am sorry that we have not been able to turn up anything but never give up hope. This state has serious issues within the law enforcement community and a lot of what they have to offer is less than helpful, that is putting it nicely.

Charlene Wells August 31, 2012 11:27 pm (Pacific time)

THANK YOU DANNA!!!!

Amy July 8, 2008 5:55 pm (Pacific time)

Kathy, His Best friend? Interesting. He was not a big photographer. You must be a friend of someone else. Might I also add that he was not stupid either!

kathy May 31, 2008 3:40 pm (Pacific time)

perhaps if you people knew the situation at the time of the accident you would understand that he was trying to take a picture of the night sky on the ocean. When you look through the lens of a camera things are much closer than they seem. he was much closer to the edge than he thought and the wind was blowing at 50mph. If you have ever been at the coast in the wind you would understand why you don't stand on the edge of a cliff. As for his wife pushing him off, you are nuts. and she did not have a relationship with his best friend. They were business partners trying to start a business not emotionally involved. Grow up people, accidents do happen.

Amy May 27, 2008 7:24 pm (Pacific time)

Has anyone heard anymore info on this?

Bryan January 22, 2008 7:57 am (Pacific time)

Brian was a great friend and will surely be missed by many.

Duane January 16, 2008 6:12 pm (Pacific time)

Danna you are an idiot. this man left behind a 18 year old sone and a 21 year old daughter. I have known brian for almost 30 years now. he will be truley missed by a lot of people.

brian wells January 14, 2008 10:51 pm (Pacific time)

my dad was a great person i loved him with all my heart. thank you to all whom feel for my familys loss. - Brian albert wells jr

Danna January 13, 2008 10:49 pm (Pacific time)

Is it just me or does anyone else think it's weird that someone would take pictures at 6:00 p.m. when it's already dark outside? I think before writing this off as an accident, the police need to explore the option that maybe he was pushed over to his death. Maybe his wife and "friend" wanted him gone. I'm not stating that's the case, but I certainly think the police needs to investigate this further before giving up and chalking this up as another accident. Something doesn't add up...

Amy January 13, 2008 1:05 pm (Pacific time)

Brian was one of the Best people I ever met! He was a GREAT person, and I'm sure will be missed by so many people!

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