On the cold winter night of January 15, 2021, 28-year-old Marco Sandoval was last seen in the small community of Irrigon, Oregon. That evening, after a disagreement with his girlfriend, he drove off in his dark blue 2015 Dodge Dart and was never heard from again. His disappearance was particularly alarming to his family because it was completely out of character.
Marco was a devoted father who had recently gained full custody of his young son and was known for his strong work ethic; failing to show up for his job was highly unusual. At the time he went missing, he was wearing dark jeans, a black Northface shirt, and a black jacket.
The days following Marco's disappearance turned into an agonizing wait for his family and friends. The Morrow County Sheriff's Office, along with other local law enforcement agencies, launched an investigation, pursuing numerous leads, conducting interviews, and executing search warrants over the years. Despite their persistent efforts, and the pleas of his family for any information, no trace of Marco or his vehicle was found. The lack of answers was a heavy burden for his loved ones, especially his sister who took on the care of his son, and the community who held out hope for his safe return.
After more than five years with no resolution, a significant development brought the search for Marco to a somber close. In a coordinated effort with the Sandoval family, the Morrow County Sheriff's Office enlisted the help of Adventures with Purpose, a specialized underwater search and recovery team. On August 28, 2026, searchers focused on the Columbia River near Patterson Ferry Road in Irrigon. Tragically, they located Marco's vehicle submerged in the water, and inside, they recovered his remains. The discovery concluded the long and painful search, finally providing answers, though heartbreaking, to his family. The Morrow County Sheriff expressed profound condolences to Marco's family and friends, acknowledging the difficult and lengthy investigation that ultimately brought him home. An investigation by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office is pending.Last Seen: Jan 15, 2021
