‘Survivalist’ Dad Found Dead 3 Weeks After Going Missing While Photographing King Tides at Oregon Beach

A man who disappeared while taking photographs of king tides along the Oregon coastline has been found dead three weeks later.

The Clausen Oysters farm off North Bay Road called North Coos Dispatch just before 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 5, about “a possible deceased person found in Haynes Inlet” as the tide was going out, according to a news release from the Coos County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).

The body was found “on the southern beach area of Haynes Inlet” in North Bend, authorities said.

Deputies with the CCSO “quickly responded” to the scene, and the Clausen Oysters staff “provided the Deputies with transportation to the scene utilizing one of their boats.”

The body was found a short time later before being identified as Joseph C. Neill, who disappeared on Dec. 15, 2024.

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Neill’s body was found about 1.5 miles west of a railroad bridge that spans the Coos Bay at Jordan Point, where some of his personal items were previously found.

“The staff at Coos County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Neill during this difficult time,” the CCSO said in its news release.

Neill had gone to Horsfall Beach to take “photographs of the king tide” on Dec. 15, but was reported missing after he did not return, according to a statement his children previously shared on Facebook.

They described him as a “survivalist” who “could fashion anything to help him get through a tough situation if needed.”

The CCSO thanked Clausen Oysters' staff for their assistance in the search for and discovery of Neill’s remains.

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Meanwhile, Neill’s family thanked everyone who helped in the search and showed their support after their father’s disappearance.

“We appreciate the support you all have shown us and the dedicated search efforts for the last three weeks,” the family said in a statement shared on a Facebook page called “JoeStrong,” which was dedicated to helping find Neill.

The family’s store, The Electric Hospital, was closed on Monday, Jan. 6, “as a day of mourning for our beloved Dr. Joe.”

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“Please be gentle with our staff, who was a second family to him,” Neill’s family said. “They will reopen on Tuesday, just as our dad would have done, please stop in and don’t be afraid to use his name. He’s on all of our minds all of the time, so acknowledging him is something we are all grateful for.”

They added, “Take Monday to go on an adventure with someone you love, appreciate Creation, and honor him.”

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