BCSO Identifies Deceased Man Found In Willamette River - 12/10/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has identified the man found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025, as Jonathan Avery Smith, 34, of Albany.

Smith was identified after investigators received tips in response to the tattoo images released on December 9. Next of kin were notified promptly so the family did not learn of his death through the news. He had not been reported as a missing person.

Deputies recovered Smith around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. He had been in the river for several days prior to recovery.

BCSO thanks the community for sharing the tattoo images and assisting in the identification process.

Anyone who has information that may help investigators understand the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death is urged to contact the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call the anonymous tip line at 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

Further information will be released as the investigation progresses and as appropriate.

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BCSO Releases Tattoo Images In Effort To Identify Deceased Man Found In Willamette River (Photo) - 12/09/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is releasing photographs of two tattoos found on an unidentified adult male who was discovered deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025. Investigators are sharing these images due to the absence of leads and the urgent need to identify the individual.

Deputies recovered the man around 4:15 p.m. near river mile 122 on the west side of the river by Hyak Park after a river-goer reported seeing a body floating in the water. The individual does not match any known missing persons in the region.

Investigators have confirmed these are the only two tattoos located on the individual:

• A color tattoo on the upper left arm depicting a sea-goat figure, possibly representing the Capricorn zodiac symbol (December 22–January 19).
• A black-and-white tattoo on the right ribcage featuring a jester, with the phrase “Life’s all fun & games until the joke is on You” written in cursive.

In addition to the tattoos, the man has a distinct scar located above the navel. Race remains undetermined at this time.

Investigators estimate the man had been in the water for at least a week before he was recovered.

Images of the tattoos have been released to assist with identification. BCSO typically withholds such personal details to allow families to receive information privately; however, due to the lack of leads, investigators believe releasing these images may help bring closure to this case.

Anyone who recognizes these tattoos or has information that may help identify the individual is urged to contact the BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS).

The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin have been notified.                                                            

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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public’s Help Identifying Deceased Man Found In Willamette River - 12/03/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying an adult male found deceased in the Willamette River on November 29, 2025.

At approximately 4:15 p.m., deputies responded to the west side of the river near Hyak Park after receiving a report from a river-goer of a body floating at river mile 122. Patrol deputies located the individual by boat and recovered the body.

Investigators have released the following identifying details:

• Two tattoos: one on the upper left arm and one on the right ribcage
• A scar on the abdomen near the navel
• Race is undetermined at this time

Based on available information and limited descriptors, the Sheriff’s Office has been unsuccessful in identifying this male. A Benton County Deputy Medical Examiner estimates the man has likely been in the water over a week. The cause of death is currently undetermined.

Anyone with information that may help identify this individual is urged to contact BCSO at BentonCoSheriff@bentoncountyor.gov or call 541-753-8477 (TIPS). The man’s name will be released once identification is confirmed and next of kin are notified.

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31st Annual Shop With A Cop (Photo) - 11/14/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is proud to host the 31st Annual Shop with a Cop event this holiday season. This long-standing tradition strengthens positive connections between youth and local law enforcement, offering children a fun and memorable shopping experience alongside officers and social workers.

In collaboration with Benton County Parole and Probation and the Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare Office, a group of elementary-aged children has been selected to participate in early December.

This year, each child will receive a gift card to choose special holiday gifts during their shopping trip with public safety partners from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State University Public Safety, Corvallis Police Department, and Philomath Police Department.

Shop with a Cop is funded entirely through donations from both law enforcement personnel and community members. Contributions are accepted year-round, and all support is greatly appreciated. Tax-deductible donations may be made via cash or check payable to “The Sheriff’s Foundation” with “Shop with a Cop” listed in the memo line. Donations can be mailed or delivered in person to:

Benton County Sheriff’s Office
180 NW 5th St.
Corvallis, OR 97330

“Shop with a Cop is one of the most meaningful traditions we participate in each year,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “It gives our deputies an opportunity to support local kids, build trust, and share in the joy of the season. We’re grateful for the community members and partner agencies who make this special event possible.”

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