Authorities in Portland are investigating the discovery of a body in the Willamette River near the Burnside Bridge on Sunday morning, a case that may be linked to a recent fatal crash.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Officesaid a 911 caller reported seeing a body in the water at around 11:20 a.m. Deputies, along with the River Patrol Unit and Dive Team, responded and recovered the body, which has been sent to the medical examiner for identification and autopsy.
Preliminary reports have mentioned the name Jackob Joseph; officials confirmed the identity. Authorities say confirmation will only come after proper forensic examination and notification of next of kin.
The discovery comes days after a car carrying four people plunged into the Willamette River on April 6 following a police pursuit. One person survived, two bodies were recovered, and a fourth occupant remained missing.
While the location of Sunday’s recovery is close to the crash site, investigators say it is too early to determine whether the cases are connected.
Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to avoid speculation until autopsy results are complete and all facts are established.
