81-Year-Old Corvallis Man Dies While Fishing Snake River

Preliminary investigation indicates the man may have slipped or lost his balance on a large rock.

Oregon State Police with the assistance of Malheur County Sheriff's Office, located and recovered a deceased 81-year old Corvallis man who died Tuesday evening while fishing along the Snake River east of Farewell Bend State Recreation Area. Photo Courtesy: Oregon.gov

(ONTARIO, Ore.) - Oregon State Police with the assistance of Malheur County Sheriff's Office, located and recovered a deceased 81-year old Corvallis man who died Tuesday evening while fishing along the Snake River east of Farewell Bend State Recreation Area.

At approximately 9:44 p.m., OSP Southern Command Center dispatch was notified of a welfare check for an 81-year old man who failed to return to his campsite at Farewell Bend State Recreation Area after going fishing earlier in the day.

The man's wife contacted the State Park host who then called OSP with information the man probably drove to the Interstate 84 interchange at exit 356 to fish in the Snake River.

About 45 minutes later, an OSP trooper found the man's car parked on the interchange's westbound on ramp where access to the Snake River is possible by walking down a steep embankment.

Four OSP officers and Malheur County Search and Rescue personnel started searching the area along the riverbank for the man identified as 81-year-old Alan Winthrop Ede, from Corvallis.

Shortly after midnight, an OSP trooper on foot spotted a partially submerged body along the rocky shore line about a mile west of where the man's car was located. Malheur County Search & Rescue personnel helped retrieve the body that was later confirmed as Ede.

Preliminary investigation indicates Ede may have slipped or lost his balance on a large rock.

One of his legs was wedged between rocks and he fell into the water where it is suspected he drowned.

OSP will work with the Medical Examiner to confirm the cause of death.

Source: Oregon State Police