Grants Pass, OR – Human remains believed to be those of a missing Josephine County man were recovered Thursday following a search in rugged terrain near Reuben Mountain, according to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, a member of the Josephine County Search & Rescue (SAR) team was checking an area beyond the Grave Creek Bridge around 12:15 p.m. Thursday, July 16, when observations made from the roadside led them to suspect human remains were below.
Oregon State Police troopers and a Josephine County deputy responded to the location and traversed the steep terrain, where they located a deceased person.
Detectives from the Oregon State Police, Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, and the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene. A specialized rope rescue team from Josephine County Search & Rescue successfully recovered the body.
According to investigators, the deceased is believed to be Randall “Randy” Hecker, who had been the subject of a search. Authorities said the identity will be confirmed through an autopsy conducted by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Investigators said Hecker’s next of kin have been notified.
The sheriff’s office thanked the participating agencies, volunteers, and members of the public who assisted in the search effort. Officials also recognized the Search & Rescue personnel who completed the recovery in what they described as difficult and hazardous conditions.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death.
