My cousin was found dead recently in the hills and forests outside of his hometown in Hillsboro.
He left on a Saturday for a hunting trip for only the day. He was also diabetic. But he got lost.
The Army National Guard deployed a helicopter. Cousins, friends, and the Search and Rescue teams were on hand looking for him. One of his "friends" allegedly found him near a tree by a creek.
That's when he knew he was dead. It's not clear if it was one of our family members out there with searchers looking for him or if it was truly a friend beyond the limitations of blood.
I thought Jon was a good guy. He was one of 10 cousins, with him being the eldest. He was fair and affable. He loved football, He loved Jim Beam, if I can recall correctly. He also asked me about my dad even though he hasn't seen my dad in probably 20 years. He was a fair man and when he spoke ill of someone he kept the comments mostly confirmed to himself and without vitriol.
At 37 years old with two kids, a wife he'd been married to for 13 years, and cousins who thought of him fondly,
I wonder what we'll do. He'd want us to push on, or so I've heard.
But I still wonder.
I haven't cried yet.
I'm not going to the funeral.
I'm not doing anything.
I'm not can't console anyone.
And contrary to what my aunt suggested, I'm not going to drink to honor the memory of Jon, I haven't had anything for a month. Two months prior I hadn't drank anything for a 110 days.
I just going to sit back and wonder,.. If it's something else?
I think I have an answer, or maybe even the answer.
I miss Jon already.
I miss Jon already.
Via the News:
http://www.kptv.com/story/26593230/search-under-way-for-hunter-missing-in-columbia-county
VERNONIA, OR (KPTV) -The body of missing hunter Jon Hill of Hillsboro has been found. The Columbia County Sheriffs Office says a family friend assisting in the search made the sad discovery just after 5 p.m. Tuesday.The body of Hill was found more than a mile from where deputies had previously found his pickup truck on Sunday afternoon.Search-and-rescue crews from several counties had been searching for more than 50 hours for Hill.Deputies said Hill went bow-hunting Saturday and never returned home Saturday night, as he had planned.Hill's family members told deputies they spoke with Hill by phone Saturday night and again Sunday morning. They said he sounded disoriented. Family members also revealed that he had diabetes, but it's unknown if that contributed to his death.Undersheriff Andy Moyer said in a statement: "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Hill. We are glad he was found, although we are saddened by the fact he was not found alive."Copyright 2014 KPTV-KPDX Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
http://www.katu.com/news/local/Missing-Hillsboro-hunter-found-dead-in-the-woods-by-family-friend-276961941.html
COLUMBIA COUNTY, Ore. – A hunter who had been missing since Saturday in Columbia County was found dead Tuesday night, the sheriff’s office said.
Hillsboro’s Jon Hill, 37, was found by a family friend who was helping with the search."Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Mr. Hill," said Columbia County
undersheriff Andy Moyer said. "We are glad he was found, although we are saddened by the fact that he was not found alive."
Hill was bow-hunting in the area ofNorth Fork Wolf Creek Rd. and Highway 26. He called his family with his cellphone twice Sunday morning, at 7 a.m. and again at 9:30 a.m.
His family said he sounded confused and disoriented during the second call.
His body was found off Highway 26 and Timber Rd., in what deputies described as rugged terrain.
http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/2014/09/21/search-for-missing-hiker-under-way-near-vernonia/16018589/
VERNONIA, Ore. -- The third day of searching for a missing bow hunter ended Tuesday afternoon when his body was found by a family friend who was helping to search.
The bow hunter was identified Monday morning as 37-year-old Jon Hill, of Hillsboro, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
His body was located around 5 p.m., more than a mile from where his truck was found Sunday afternoon.
Dozens of people were involved in the search and posted fliers in the area. A National Guard helicopter also joined in the search.
Hill went on a day hunt Saturday and called his family about 7 a.m. Sunday to report that he was lost, the sheriff's office said.
Hill phoned again about 9:30 a.m. Searchers later tried to ping his cell phone but could not get through. His pickup was found during the search Sunday.
Hill's family said he sounded disoriented when he called them. They were worried he may have suffered a medical problem.
Searchers were focused on an area southwest of Vernonia, off of Timber Road. Making the search more difficult was the steep terrain and scrub left from prior logging.
The man also was likely dressed in camouflaged clothing, officials said.
Hill reportedly had some food and water when he set out for his trip, but only enough for one day.
