La Grande, OR – Two men who were recently reported missing out of La Grande were found dead Friday afternoon in a field in northeast La Grande, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Police say that just after 11:30 a.m., La Grande Police Department (LGPD) officers located the body of Dale Burke, 30, who had been reported missing on October 27. According to investigators, Burke died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Roughly 10 minutes later, officers found Drake Hill, 17, also deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a separate area of the same field. Hill had been reported missing on November 3.
Authorities said the bodies were located within about 100 yards of each other, but initial findings indicate the cases are isolated incidents and do not appear to be related.
The Major Crimes Team has been activated to assist, with personnel from the LGPD, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Union County District Attorney’s Office all involved in the joint investigation.
Investigators are reviewing drone and security footage from the area. A department chaplain and Victim’s Advocate responded to support next-of-kin notifications.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
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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