Body Discovered Near Pistol River Wayside South of Gold Beach

Police rule the death a probable suicide but they didn't find a weapon.

Salem-News.com

(GOLD BEACH, Ore.) - Police on the southern Oregon coast say a man found deceased near the shore line on a beach about 1/3 mile south of Pistol River Wayside Saturday afternoon is believed to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Oregon State Police Detective John Riddle says Curry County 9-1-1 received a report of a body found on the beach south of Pistol River Wayside approximately 5:00 PM. Oregon State Police and Curry County Sheriff's Office responded to the area and located the body of an adult male near the surf line who appeared to have been in the water for an unknown period.

Riddle responded to conduct the investigation with the assistance of the Coos County Chief Deputy Medical Examiner. Preliminary investigation positively identified the body as 54-year old Gary C. Spaulding who has no known residence. Riddle says the man's recreational vehicle was found secured at Pistol River Wayside.

A Curry County deputy said it was seen at that location on Thursday evening. No weapon has been recovered as it may have been washed out in the surf.

When next of kin were notified they indicated family members have not heard from him for about six years. It is believed that he has been living in his recreational vehicle and traveled around the western United States. According to Oregon DMV records, his last listed Oregon address was in Hood River.