LANE COUNTY, Ore. — The search for a missing Eugene man has come to a somber conclusion after authorities confirmed his body was located this week in a remote area east of where his vehicle was first discovered.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office said 42-year-old Michael Trevor Owen Naughton had been missing since February 19. His vehicle was found that same night in the Gate Creek area, prompting an extensive search effort led by Search & Rescue teams.
Over the following weeks, crews conducted ground searches across rugged terrain, utilizing K9 units, drones, and aerial support, including helicopters. Multiple partner agencies assisted in the effort as teams worked to cover miles of densely forested land.
Investigators and Search & Rescue personnel also coordinated closely with a private investigator hired by Naughton’s family. Authorities said the joint effort involved hundreds of hours of searching and information-sharing.
On April 21, the private investigator notified the Sheriff’s Office after locating Naughton on an abandoned spur road more than a mile east of where his vehicle had been found. The area had been heavily impacted by downed timber from the Holiday Farm Fire, complicating access.
Search & Rescue volunteers and deputies responded to the scene, spending several hours clearing a path with chainsaws before recovering the body.
Officials said there is no indication that a crime occurred.
The Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the private investigator, as well as the many staff members, volunteers, and partner organizations who contributed to the search efforts. Authorities also noted that teams continue working on other missing persons cases throughout the region.
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