A city official is presumed dead after falling into a river. The incident happened in Oregon last weekend. John Walsh, the city administrator in St. Helens, fell into the Columbia River on June 13.
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So far, search and rescue have been unable to locate the city official.
"Saturday, we lost our City Administrator of almost 14 years. And as staff, we are not okay,"
wrote Crystal King, a St. Helens communications officer. "Many of us have worked closely with John since he became our City Administrator, and we are grieving alongside his family right now. There have been moments of tears and moments of laughter and all the mixed emotions that come with the loss of someone you have known for so long."Search and rescue teams have been using boats in a recovery effort.
King added, "John has not been located yet. The St. Helens Police Department is working with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office marine deputies as they use boats to search."
City Official Presumed Dead
Authorities believe it was an accident and that Walsh accidentally fell into the river.
"Search efforts were initially concentrated around the St. Helens City docks area," the city said. "In addition to ground and boat teams, law enforcement has utilized an aerial drone, underwater ROV, and a dive team."
Following the tragedy, the city released a statement about the legacy of the city official.
"We understand that John was more than just a City Administrator," St. Helens Mayor Jennifer Massey said in a statement. "He and his family live here and are involved as community members. They have touched many people's lives, and we hope that providing this tribute location is a way for the St. Helens community to come together, grieve together, and begin to heal."
Meanwhile, Jessica Chilton, president of St Helen's City Council, also mourned the loss as well.
"John was a friend, a father, a husband and true legacy builder for our beautiful city, and he will be truly missed," she said. "Now is the time to come together in his honor, and carry on the work he so greatly impacted."
