On a crisp autumn day, October 12, 2019, the life of Martin “Marty” Fox, a 63-year-old White/Caucasian male from Portland, Oregon, came to an unexpected end. He was in the wilderness near the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway, engaged in one of his favorite pastimes, hunting, when the incident occurred. Reports from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office indicate they received a call about a shooting that morning. Upon arrival, law enforcement found individuals performing CPR on Mr.
Fox, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Investigators from both the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police looked into the circumstances surrounding the death. Despite the initial report of a shooting, authorities quickly determined that no foul play was suspected in the tragic event, which was described as a hunting accident. The sheriff's office expressed their condolences to the family and other members of the hunting party, calling the death an avoidable tragedy. There have been no arrests or identification of any suspects in connection with the incident, as it was not deemed a criminal act.
Marty was remembered as a kind and caring man who was deeply treasured by his friends and family. An employee of Northwest Traffic Control for several years, he had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, hiking, and camping in addition to hunting. He was a graduate of James Madison High School's class of 1974. He is survived by his wife, Laurie, whom he had married in 2017, as well as a stepdaughter, grandchildren, and siblings. A celebration of his life was held later that month at the Happy Valley Baptist Church.
