In the quiet community of Rhododendron, Oregon, a sense of unease settled when 42-year-old Niqola 'Niqi' Cavanaugh-de Calderon was last seen on the afternoon of February 26, 2022. A talented and recognized figure in the local yoga and ballet communities, Niqi, a transgender male, was last observed walking away from his mother's home near East Lolo Pass Road and East Village Loop. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to be wearing yoga clothes. Concern mounted as days turned into weeks with no word from him. The search for Niqi began, casting a shadow over the scenic landscape he called home.
The investigation into Niqola's disappearance took a perplexing turn when some of his personal belongings were discovered abandoned approximately 40 miles away at the Clackamas Town Center. This discovery included his identification and credit cards, deepening the mystery of his whereabouts. Authorities from the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office took charge of the case, seeking any information that could lead to his location. Compounding the urgency of the situation was the recent diagnosis of a brain aneurysm, which friends and family feared could cause cognitive impairment, making him more vulnerable.
The community and those who knew Niqi were left with a number of unanswered questions. He was not only a gifted dancer but also an avid forager who was intimately familiar with the wilderness surrounding his home. Friends and family have publicly shared their concerns and hopes for his safe return. Despite the passage of time, law enforcement continues to seek information from the public that might shed light on this troubling case. The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Niqola Cavanaugh-de Calderon to contact them. The case remains an active and unresolved missing person investigation, a painful uncertainty for all who know him.
Last Seen: Feb 26, 2022
