Body Found in Salem Drainage Canal

There were no signs of obvious trauma but the cause of death will not be known until an autopsy is performed.

Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - Last night at approximately 5:39 p.m., Marion County Deputies received a call of a possible body spotted in a canal near an apartment complex in Northeast Salem.

Fire personnel were first to arrive at the scene in the 3900 block of Rockwood Park Drive NE. They found the body of a deceased male floating in a small canal that weaves through several apartment complexes in the area.

Deputy Matt Hagan learned that a local resident called 911 after spotting the body from a patio of his apartment.

The drainage canal is about 5' wide and usually has a depth of less than a foot, but with the recent heavy rains, the water depth was estimated by Hagan at 3 feet.

With the assistance of Marion County Fire District 1 firefighters, the body was recovered.

Investigators have identified the victim as Christopher Marshall, 26, of Monmouth. Family notifications were made by the Monmouth Police Department. Family members told investigators that Marshall was staying with friends in Salem.

There were no signs of obvious trauma but the cause of death will not be known until an autopsy is performed. Our investigation is continuing, but at this time, we have no further information about the victim's activities prior to his death.

Source: Press release from the Marion County Sheriff's Office

Raw video clips from the scene by Jerry Freeman: