LOWELL – On Dec. 23 at 10:30 a.m., the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received information that a missing woman, Melissa Ann Radcliff, 73, of Eugene, may be in her vehicle east of Lowell.
The Lane County Sheriff’s deputy, who is a drone operator, diverted to West Boundary Road to search for Radcliff. The deputy spotted her vehicle at about milepost 5. It crashed down a steep embankment, upside down and partially submerged in the shallow creek. He requested fire personnel respond, climbed down, and located Radcliff inside.
Despite lifesaving measures attempted by the deputy, Lane County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, and Lowell Fire personnel, Radcliff was pronounced deceased on scene.
Eugene Police Department and Lowell Rural Fire Protection District assisted in this call.
