Eugene, OR – Lane County Sheriff’s deputies confirmed this week that human remains found in the McKenzie River area belong to Shane Sprenger, a 47-year-old Blue River man who went missing in 2021.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, Sprenger was first reported missing in November 2021 under suspicious circumstances near Blue River Reservoir. Despite extensive searches by deputies, search-and-rescue teams, and community members, no immediate trace of him was found.
In June 2023, partial human remains were discovered in the McKenzie drainage area. Forensic analysis later determined the remains belonged to Sprenger, but further searches of the surrounding area failed to turn up additional evidence.
That September, investigators located a bone fragment near the McKenzie River. The Oregon State Police crime lab received the sample for testing, though results were delayed. With the help of Dylan’s Legacy, a nonprofit that assists families of missing persons, Sprenger’s family raised funds to send the sample to Bode Technology in Virginia for advanced DNA testing.
On August 28 of this year, officials confirmed the DNA match to Sprenger and notified his family. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and did not release details about potential suspects or the cause of death.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Sprenger’s disappearance to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541-682-4141, referencing case number 21-6268.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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