A missing photographer was found dead on an Oregon beach three weeks after he left his home to take photos of the high tide, deputies said.
Joseph “Joe” Neill was discovered at about 9:25 a.m. Jan. 5 on a beach area off Haynes Inlet, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
Authorities recovered his body, and his wife identified him “from his belt, glasses, and his giant 14 AAA shoes,” the family said on a Facebook page called JoeStrong.
“He’s on all of our minds all of the time, so acknowledging him is something we are all grateful for. Take Monday to go on an adventure with someone you love, appreciate Creation, and honor him,” his family wrote.
Joseph “Joe” Neill’s family looked for him in Coos County, Oregon, after he never returned home. His vehicle was found Dec. 16. Screengrab from Christine Horner’s Facebook
What happened to Neill?
Neill was last seen the morning of Dec. 15, McClatchy News reported from police.
He was headed toward Horsefall Beach to snap photos of the “king tide,” which was caused by the recent full moon.
But when he never returned home, his wife grew worried and reported him missing, police said.
Police said they began searching for him and tracked his phone to a railroad bridge that runs across Coos Bay and is off Trans Pacific Lane.
Neill’s phone was later analyzed, and police discovered he had been on the bridge at 10:14 a.m.
“It is believed that Mr. Neill likely entered the water from the bridge, though it remains unclear whether this was the result of a fall or a deliberate action,” police said.
His family said they believe whatever happened was likely an accident.
Family and community grieve
Neill’s family — with the help of community members — searched for him for weeks after search efforts were called off by police.
His family is keeping his business, the Electric Hospital, open after his death. He sold sewing machines and vacuums.
“Our family is brokenhearted at my brother, Joe’s death. We are grateful to all the people that spent so many hours/days looking for him. Finding his body is a blessing in that it helps with closure,” his brother Jim Neill said in a Facebook post.
“He was a class act, a true gentleman and such an asset to our community. He will be dearly missed but forever remembered. Praying for peace in your hearts and souls,” Leslie Davis Barnts commented on Facebook.
“We shared many stories about our family’s, while out in nature taking photos!! He was so proud of his children and his wife,” Jeremiah Jewell said.
“Such a loss for our entire community, especially those who sew. All my sewing machines, tables, sergers ect. were purchased from Joe. He patiently taught me how to use each one and troubleshoot my serger years ago. What a patient guy!” Vicki Phillips Ericson wrote.
Coos County is on the southern Oregon coastline.
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