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Case Description

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Nicholas Lutz, a 23-year-old from Florence, Oregon, went missing on November 18, 2009. He had gone on a fishing trip along the Oregon coast north of Florence with a friend. Later that evening, both men were reported missing. Search efforts led to the recovery of fishing gear and personal items on the rocks near the ocean, but only the friend's body was eventually found in the Pacific Ocean. Nicholas remains missing, and his case is still unresolved.
Last Seen: Nov 18, 2009

Victim Details

Dec 27, 2011

Jan 12, 2024

Nicholas

Lutz

37

23

73 inches

180 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a fall day in November 2009, 23-year-old Nicholas Robert Lutz set out for a fishing trip with a friend along the rugged and beautiful Oregon coast, just north of Florence. The two were last seen near milepost 173 on Highway 101, a scenic stretch of road that hugs the Pacific Ocean. Nicholas, a man with blond hair, blue eyes, and a distinctive tattoo of his last name across his shoulders, was dressed for the coastal weather in a camouflage jacket, neoprene pants, and a camo bandana. What began as a day of recreation took a tragic turn, marking the last time Nicholas would be seen by his loved ones. The alarm was raised when the two men did not return as expected. An immediate search was launched by the Lane County Sheriff's Office, concentrating on the area where they were known to be fishing. The search efforts soon led to a grim discovery on the rocky shores. Their fishing gear was found abandoned on the rocks, a silent testament to the powerful and unpredictable nature of the ocean they were challenging. The turbulent waters of the Pacific had claimed one of the friends; his body was recovered from the ocean, confirming the devastating outcome for one of the two fishermen. In the days, weeks, and months that followed, the search for Nicholas continued, fueled by the hope of his family and the dedication of law enforcement. The vastness of the Pacific Ocean, however, held its secrets close. Eventually, a heartbreaking discovery was made when partial human remains were recovered. These remains were later identified as belonging to Nicholas Robert Lutz. The case, which began as a search for two missing fishermen, ultimately became a story of loss and the unforgiving power of the sea. The discovery of the partial remains brought a painful conclusion for Nicholas's family, confirming he had perished along with his friend on that fateful day. This case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can accompany recreational activities along the picturesque but perilous Oregon coastline.

Nov 18, 2009

Florence

Oregon

Lane County

97439

No

11149

Lane County Sheriff's Office

Eugene

Oregon

Lane County

97401

DJ Mann

Sergeant

125 East 8th Avenue, Oregon

5416824150

County

Law Enforcement

LCSO 09-8791

2009-11-18

Lane County Sheriff's Office

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

05/31/2026


Area Last Seen: