Remains of 60-Year-Old Eugene Man Found Outside Ashland After Weeks of Searching
ASHLAND, Ore. — The remains of 60-year-old Damon Lee Petrie of Eugene, who was reported missing in December, were found near Mill Creek Drive and Highway 66 outside of Ashland on Saturday by a hiker.
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies, detectives, and Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel conducted extensive searches for Petrie after he was reported missing on December 18, 2025.
Tidings Insight
Scientific identification usually means comparing fingerprints, dental records, or DNA. Autopsy and toxicology help the medical examiner determine cause and manner of death, so investigators hold details until results are finalized.
After a hiker found Petrie’s body on Saturday, February 7, Medical Examiner detectives made an identification scientifically.
JCSO indicated that the cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy and toxicology report, and sent condolences to his family and friends.
Tidings Context
Cause of death is the medical reason someone died, and manner is the category used by medical examiners such as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.