Body Of Former Cornelius Mayor Ralph Brown Recovered

CORNELIUS, Ore. — Nearly a year after his disappearance, authorities have confirmed that a body recovered in the Willamette River in Newberg is that of former Cornelius Mayor Ralph Brown.

There were several sightings of the 76-year-old since his May 2021 disappearance, but the trail went cold.

Divers with the private salvaging company, Adventures With Purpose, this past Friday located the vehicle fully submerged in about 40 feet of water near the Rogers Landing boat ramp and found human remains inside.

On Tuesday, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said a medical examiner confirmed the remains in the vehicle were those of Brown and there were no signs of foul play.

Brown was said to have dementia.  He drove away from home telling he wife he was “going home”.