Officially Owen

Portland, Oregon – Update:  The Medical Examiner has confirmed the body found in the Willamette River near the St. Johns Bridge Sunday is Owen Klinger, the missing University of Portland student. The community mourned his death Tuesday at a daily mass on campus. Klinger was last seen October 6th leaving the U of P campus. Family, friends, and volunteers formed search parties and look for him for almost two weeks. The Medical Examiner did not release a cause of death.

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The parents of missing University of Portland student Owen Klinger believe a body found Sunday in the Willamette River near the St. Johns Bridge is their son.

Mary and Dustin Klinger released the following statement Monday evening:

“Portland police have notified us that they have recovered a body that we believe is our son, Owen Klinger. We deeply appreciate the extraordinary effort and support that thousands of people have provided over the past two weeks. We now ask for privacy as we move forward with our healing process.”

The body was found in the river near the 9400 block of Northwest St. Helens Road on Sunday afternoon. The Medical Examiner has not yet confirmed the person’s identity. The person’s cause of death has not been released. Klinger has been missing since  Sunday, Oct. 6th.

There is an event being held at the University of Portland at 12pm Tuesday for Owen. The school released this statement:

“Based upon conversations with family representatives and law enforcement, the University joins the Klinger family in their belief that Owen, their son and our community member, has died.  An official statement from the Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming Owen’s death is forthcoming.  Owen’s family has requested privacy at this time.  May we all pray for Owen’s eternal rest, for consolation for his family and friends, and for abiding hope within our University community.”

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