OR OR - Riley Salisbury, 19, duck hunter, Columbia River, Karlson Island, Clatsop County, 12 Jan 2019

[cybervampira]

Bethany man on hunting trip along Columbia River has gone missing

A 19-year-old from Bethany who went hunting with his dad and younger brother is missing.

Riley Salisbury was hunting Saturday on the lower Columbia River on Karlson Island, about twenty miles east of Astoria.

His family is at a loss for what happened to him. Riley had been hunting in that area numerous times. He has a lager self-made taxidermy collection to prove it.

Around noon Saturday, Riley’s dad said he stopped responding to text messages and he became worried. They had split up into two separate small boats, but were just minutes from each other.

Todd called 911 when he could not find him. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office helped search on the ground, while a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter looked from the air.

Riley was wearing waders and likely had his face painted, so he may be hard to spot. His family worries he may no longer be alive, but are asking everyone in the area to keep an eye out.

Teen missing on duck hunting trip off Columbia River

 

[Cryptic]

Sadly, this could be a boating accident. If I remember correctly, the current in many part of the Columbia is a dangerous mix of speed and cold water. The young man loved the outdoors and was interested in both conservation and hunting. That is a needed balance.

 

[GraceG]

I'm so sorry to read this and concur that this is likely a recovery only at this point. His firearm was found on the island and the boat was found near Russian Island (downstream of Karlson Island) with his phone still on board as well as his life jacket. I worry about the "wearing waders" remark. I grew up in this area, and Dad and I fished the Gray's River on the Washington side and salmon fished on the river and we never wore waders in a boat as my Dad and others considered it a safety issue (Link with safety info on that from DNR following link for news article on boat find). Bethany-area man disappears during duck hunting trip on Columbia River
Staying Safe In a Duck Boat

 

[JerseyGirl]

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing duck hunter near Astoria, saying it is now considered to be a recovery effort.

His father had a frank conversation with deputies, who informed him that his son most likely succumbed to hypothermia.

Search suspended for missing 19-year-old duck hunter

 

[StarEyes]

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing duck hunter near Astoria, saying it is now considered to be a recovery effort.

His father had a frank conversation with deputies, who informed him that his son most likely succumbed to hypothermia.

Search suspended for missing 19-year-old duck hunter

This is so sad! He was very experienced, even in that area. I’m thinking a freak accident. Heartbreaking.

 

[kiwijayne]

He looks so young.

 

[Gardener1850]

Long shot, but is there is an unidentified young man in the hospital in Portland: OR - OR - Portland, WhtMale, 20's, Injured in Hospital, Tattoos:"Born in FL" & "Made in OR" Jan'19

 

[GraceG]

Long shot, but is there is an unidentified young man in the hospital in Portland: OR - OR - Portland, WhtMale, 20's, Injured in Hospital, Tattoos:"Born in FL" & "Made in OR" Jan'19

Portland on the Oregon side of the Columbia River is two hours away. If he'd been found he'd be taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria. (I grew up out that way)

 

[Concernedmamaof3]

Long shot, but is there is an unidentified young man in the hospital in Portland: OR - OR - Portland, WhtMale, 20's, Injured in Hospital, Tattoos:"Born in FL" & "Made in OR" Jan'19

As Grace said, Astoria is quite a distance from Portland (2.5hours). There is a large homeless population in Portland. I’d guess John Doe might be in this group. MOO

 

[Gardener1850]

Long shot, but there is an unidentified young man in the hospital in Portland: OR - OR - Portland, WhtMale, 20's, Injured in Hospital, Tattoos:"Born in FL" & "Made in OR" Jan'19

Not Riley. Man in hospital was identified as Cody Denney: Critically injured 'mystery man' identified

 

[ADKGemini]

So sad, looks like all searches suspended and unsuccessful. Terrible for the family to not be able to bring their son home.

 

[PommyMommy]

Riley Todd Salisbury
NamUs #MP55127

Missing Age 19 Years
Current Age 19 Years
Height 5' 11" (71 Inches)
Weight 140 lbs
Race / Ethnicity White / Caucasian
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Other distinctive physical characteristic Brown mole on ball area of one foot (not specified)
Date of Last Contact January 12, 2019
NamUs Case Created January 31, 2019
Last Known Location Map
Location Karlson Island, Oregon
County Clatsop County
Circumstances of Disappearance Riley was duck hunting with his father on islands in the Columbia River and went off on his own. His father was unable to contact him via cell phone and could not find him. Riley's boat, gun and gear were subsequently recovered but no sign of him.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

 

[GraceG]

Riley Todd Salisbury
NamUs #MP55127

Missing Age 19 Years
Current Age 19 Years
Height 5' 11" (71 Inches)
Weight 140 lbs
Race / Ethnicity White / Caucasian
Hair Color Brown
Eye Color Blue
Other distinctive physical characteristic Brown mole on ball area of one foot (not specified)
Date of Last Contact January 12, 2019
NamUs Case Created January 31, 2019
Last Known Location Map
Location Karlson Island, Oregon
County Clatsop County
Circumstances of Disappearance Riley was duck hunting with his father on islands in the Columbia River and went off on his own. His father was unable to contact him via cell phone and could not find him. Riley's boat, gun and gear were subsequently recovered but no sign of him.

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

I grew up there. Given the currents in that river if he went in the water they will not find him. So sad.

 

[CastlesBurning]

Updated 1/27/20:

Riley Todd Salisbury – The Charley Project