Search underway after teen ‘disappeared underwater’ in Willamette River
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A search is underway in Independence after a teen went missing Sunday, authorities said.
According to Independence police, on July 7 a teen “disappeared underwater while playing in the Willamette River near Riverview Park.”
“A tragic reminder of just the dangers of the Willamette River and the importance of water safety,” said Emmanuel Goicochea, a City of Independence spokesperson.
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What started as a rescue effort for 13-year-old Gregorio Maximiano-Solano three days ago has turned into a recovery effort. That initial search included emergency responders using air surveillance Sunday night, Independence police said.
However, despite continued efforts of the Linn County dive team and both the Multnomah and Polk County sheriff’s offices, Maximiano-Solano’s body still hasn’t been found.
Polk County Fire Chief Ben Stange said it’s an example of how “The sense of community that summer brings in people being outside, and just how quickly that can turn.”
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The child’s father, Gregorio Maximiano Sr., told KOIN 6 News via translation from his niece Paulina that it’s important for them to find the body to at least get closure:
“He says his son was a very happy kid, funny. And he’s really sad because he was just 13 years old. And he wants to find the body either alive or dead but he wants to find the body.”
Maximiano Sr. added that his family has scoured the banks downriver from where the child went missing in hopes of finding him. Now they’re desperate to get more help recovering the boy so they can bring him back to his birthplace in California.
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A fundraiser on GoFundMe has been set up to support the Maximiano-Solano’s family.
Authorities said Riverview Park has reopened to the public as “the recovery search effort is now being done primarily through boat patrol” along the river.
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