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Crime Solvers Central
298 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 (MP20369) and 2 other sources
In the late spring of 1995, a 23-year-old man named Shad Richard Tyler vanished in the area of Grants Pass, Oregon. On May 28th of that year, the young man, who had brown hair and brown eyes, was near the powerful and often turbulent Rogue River. This particular stretch of the river, located about a mile and a half south of Alameda, is known for its scenic beauty, but also for its potentially treacherous currents and rocky features. What began as a day near the water tragically shifted into a long-standing mystery, leaving a family with unanswered questions and a community with a sense of loss. The circumstances of that day would become the final, indelible memory of Shad for those who witnessed the event.

The last known sighting of Shad Tyler was a moment of profound distress and danger. According to the official account of his disappearance, he was seen jumping into the Rogue River. His entry into the water was immediately followed by a perilous impact with rocks. The force of the river and the collision created a desperate situation from which, tragically, he did not appear to surface. The immediate aftermath of this event was chaotic, as the powerful currents of the Rogue River quickly carried on, leaving no immediate trace of the young man. Despite any efforts that may have been made at the time, the river held its secrets, and Shad was gone from sight.

In the days, weeks, and years that followed, the search for Shad Richard Tyler yielded no recovery. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office has held the case, number 95-05593, since it was reported on that fateful day in May. The official summary of his disappearance remains stark and unresolved: he jumped into the river, struck rocks, and his body was never found. This lack of resolution leaves a painful void for his loved ones, who are left to wonder and grieve without the finality of laying him to rest. The case is a somber reminder of the unforgiving power of nature and the fragility of life. The overview of this case is that of a young man who disappeared in a witnessed, tragic accident, yet has never been located, leaving his case open and his fate officially unknown for decades.

Last Seen: May 28, 1995

Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

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.

76%Possible
John Doe — California - unidentified case UP17689
John Doe — California
UP17689 • Found May 10, 1998
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 23 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 45%302 mi away
TimingFound 3 years after last seen
Height 100%5'9" vs 5'10"
Weight 100%170 lb vs 175 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9988
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9988 • Found Jan 15, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 21–30 vs 23
Race 100%White
Location 54%214 mi away, same state
TimingFound 8 months after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'10"
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.