MCSO says remains of man missing since 2021 found near Irrigon
By Griffin Beach on Monday, August 31st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
HEPPNER – The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office recovered human remains on Friday, concluding a 5-year-old missing persons case.
The sheriff’s office said that “in coordination with specialized recovery assets,” deputies located and recovered the vehicle and remains of Marco Antonio Sandoval, who was born in 1992.
Sandoval was originally reported missing in January 2021. Since then, MCSO said it has pursued numerous leads, conducted interviews and executed search warrants.
A release from MCSO said they and the Sandoval family had contacted Adventures with Purpose, a specialized underwater sonar search and recovery organization that focuses on finding missing people in submerged vehicles. Searchers scanned the Columbia River by Patterson Ferry Road near Irrigon, presumably where they located Sandoval.
“On behalf of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office, I extend our profound condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of Marco Antonio Sandoval during this difficult situation,” Morrow County Sheriff John Bowles said.
Officials said an investigation is still open pending findings from the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
Photo of Morrow County Sheriff’s Office vehicle.
