Tragic Discovery: Photographer’s Remains Uncovered After King Tides in Coos County

Joseph Neill was last observed on December 15, 2024

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The remains of a 72-year-old individual from North Bend, who disappeared after he departed his residence to capture images of the king tides on December 15, were located early Sunday morning in Haynes Inlet, Coos County.

Joseph Neill’s remains were discovered during an outgoing tide in the inlet, situated east of the Hwy 101 bridge and close to the junction of North Bay Road, as stated by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office in a statement. A representative from Clausen Oysters farm alerted authorities about the body and offered a boat to assist deputies in reaching Mr. Neill’s remains.

The medical examiner arrived at the scene, identified him, and informed his family.

It is believed that Mr. Neill departed his home on the morning of December 15, with missing person reports filed at 8 p.m. that evening. Authorities discovered Neill’s vehicle abandoned on the Transpacific Parkway near Jordan Point the following morning, initiating a search and rescue operation.

A K9 search-and-rescue team from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office was deployed to the area to track his possible location. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard and a boat from the North Bend Fire Department were summoned to search for Neill, but the operation was ultimately suspended.

No additional information is currently available.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office expressed their condolences to the Neill family.