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302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP28332) and 5 other sources
On a cold morning in January 2013, 18-year-old Joseph Arnold Deseranno of Milwaukie, Oregon, went fishing for steelhead with a friend on the Sandy River. The two were near the area of the former Marmot Dam, about six miles east of Sandy, when a tragic accident occurred. At approximately 10 a.m. on January 14th, while attempting to wade across the river, Joseph slipped and fell into the frigid water. He was wearing hip waders and a dark camouflage jacket, but unfortunately, he did not have on a personal flotation device. His friend witnessed the fall and, unable to locate him in the fast-moving river, immediately called 911 for help.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office, along with other rescue crews, responded to the emergency call which came in at 10:04 a.m. However, their efforts were immediately hampered by the treacherous conditions. A cold snap had left the area with icy roads, making it difficult for rescuers to even reach the location where Joseph had fallen. The conditions in and around the river were equally perilous. The air temperature was a mere 27 degrees, and the water was a dangerously cold 35 degrees, with ice covering the river banks. A lieutenant with the sheriff's office noted that the shock from such cold water could cause a person's muscles to seize, making it nearly impossible to stay afloat, even for a strong swimmer.

Despite the hazardous conditions, a search was launched. About 20 searchers from the Clackamas County Water Rescue Consortium spent over four hours combing the river and its banks, covering at least a mile downstream from where Joseph was last seen. They utilized swimmers, rope teams, rescue teams, and rafts in their efforts. The river was reported to be clear but moving very fast through that section. Initially considered a rescue mission, the hope of finding Joseph alive dwindled as time passed in the freezing temperatures. The initial search was suspended later that afternoon due to safety concerns for the rescue personnel but was expected to resume. The comprehensive search of the river and shoreline in the days that followed tragically did not lead to his recovery. The case remains a heartbreaking reminder of the power of nature and the suddenness of loss.

Last Seen: Jan 14, 2013

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

75%Possible
John Doe — Fairview, Oregon - unidentified case UP118580
John Doe — Fairview, Oregon
UP118580 • Found Mar 19, 2024
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 25–40 vs 18 when missing
Location 99%13 mi away, same state
TimingFound 11 years after last seen
Height 100%5'7"–6'0" vs 6'1"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.