UPDATE 02/13/2024 5:30 PM – GARDINER, Ore. – The body of a Eugene man who went missing after scuba diving in the Umpqua River has been located. On Monday, February 12, 2024, at approximately 8:45 am, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a report of a deceased body on the shore near Sparrow Park Road. Deputies along with Oregon State Troopers responded to the area and confirmed the decedent to be 47-year-old Jeffery Scott Harris of Eugene. Harris had gone scuba diving in the Umpqua River near the mouth of the Pacific Ocean in Winchester Bay at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 28, 2024. Harris, who had previous diving experience, had not returned prompting a call to emergency personnel. A large-scale search took place to locate any signs of Harris, but revealed no clues. The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the death. Harris’ next of kin has been notified. Foul play is not suspected in this case. The Sheriff’s Office had previously been assisted by the United States Coast Guard, Oregon State SAR Coordinator, CAHOOTS of Eugene, Lane County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Marine Patrol and Douglas County Search and Rescue.
