It's been since April 5th that Blue River resident MeKenna Reiley has been missing. And in the months that followed 1 person, her boyfriend, Wyatt Groggins has been camped here at the edge of the Blue River reservoir, letting a citizen search effort.
“I've been making my rounds around the reservoir in the banks and stuff like that. My friend Ken is training his search and rescue dog,” said Groggins.
After months of pacing the McKenzie wilderness for signs of Reiley, Groggins says he's been using his kayak, rowboat and diving gear to go where most search teams cannot, into the reservoir.
“The water level was about 20 or 30 feet lower, so it's a challenge. When she disappeared, it was different.”
“It's just been a real struggle. I got a lot of friends who have been showing up, a lot of people who are trying to come out and help me. I have friends all the time to check on me and volunteer to help.”
Friends like Ken Smith.
Smith came up from the valley to provide his K-9 search and rescue experience and says he's been combing the thick wilderness since the very beginning.
“I came out here the very first time that Lane County sheriff's asked for the public's help. So, I contacted Bevin and the family, and they said I was able to come out and help search,” Smith said.
“It's been hard. After the fire, it's so dangerous. There are big caverns in the ground from roots burning.”
“It's a good community. There are people willing to help. There are people that have come from places. That aren't even local that have come app to help. MeKenna is very well missed.”
The search continues for missing Blue River woman Mekenna Reiley, and as the official search effort has ramped down, residents of the area are pushing forward.
kcby.com
