MEDIA RELEASE

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
 Justice Building • Roseburg, Oregon 97470 • (541) 440-4450

John Hanlin
SHERIFF

On November 27, 2009 at 2:21 PM, Douglas County Emergency Communications was advised that 72 yr. old FRANK SJURSEN, was an overdue subject in the Douglas County area. SJURSEN left his residence in Arizona on November 25th and was en route to the Seattle, Washington area.

SJURSEN was last contacted on November 25th, 2009 at 9:47 PM when an Oregon State Trooper stopped SJURSEN’s vehicle on Interstate 5 northbound near milepost 137, Sutherlin.

After SJURSEN failed to arrive at his destination in Washington, an Attempt to Locate was broadcast to local Law Enforcement Agency in the Douglas County area.

On November 27th, 2009 at 6:38 PM, SJURSEN’s family notified the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office that SJURSEN’s vehicle was equipped with a Vehicle Locate System. The system was activated and coordinates were provided. A Douglas County Sheriff’s Timber Deputy along with Search and Rescue personnel were called out in attempt to locate the vehicle and SJURSEN.

On November 28th, 2009 at 00:05 AM the vehicle was located on a remote forest road about 15 miles NE of Sutherlin, Oregon in an area called Coon Creek/Harness Mt. SJURSEN was not located with the vehicle. The vehicle was locked and there were no signs of fowl play. The vehicle appeared to be stuck in the mud and unable to be removed without assistance.

After the vehicle was located, Search and Rescue personnel performed a search of the surrounding area.

On November 28th, 2009, at approximately 11:21 AM, Search and Rescue personnel located SJURSEN. SJURSEN was found to be deceased in a creek drainage near the area where his vehicle was found. SJURSEN’s family was in the area assisting with the search and was notified.

There are no signs of fowl play involved in this incident.

No additional information on this incident will be available until Monday, November 30, 2009.
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