In a somber turn of events, Joseph C. Neill, who vanished while capturing the majesty of king tides along the Oregon coast, was found deceased three weeks later. Neill, a father and avid photographer, disappeared on December 15, 2024, after heading to Horsfall Beach to document the high tides. His remains were discovered on January 5, 2025, in Haynes Inlet, North Bend, by employees of Clausen Oysters farm. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded swiftly, and with the assistance of the oyster farm staff, they confirmed the identity of the body as Neill's. This tragic discovery brings closure to a community that had been searching tirelessly for him.
A Heartfelt Search Ends in Haynes Inlet
On a crisp winter morning, just before 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 5, an urgent call came from Clausen Oysters farm off North Bay Road. Staff reported a possible deceased individual in Haynes Inlet as the tide receded. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) quickly mobilized and reached the scene with the help of Clausen Oysters' boat transportation. The body was identified shortly thereafter as Joseph C. Neill, who had gone missing on December 15 while photographing the king tides at Horsfall Beach.
The location where Neill's body was found is about 1.5 miles west of the railroad bridge spanning Coos Bay at Jordan Point, near where some of his personal belongings had previously been recovered. Neill's family had described him as a survivalist capable of handling tough situations, but the treacherous coastal conditions proved too much. The CCSO expressed their deepest sympathies to Neill's family and thanked Clausen Oysters for their invaluable assistance during the search and recovery efforts.
Neill's family, through a dedicated Facebook page called “JoeStrong,” thanked everyone who contributed to the search and offered support. They announced that their store, The Electric Hospital, would close on Monday, January 6, as a day of mourning. The family encouraged people to honor Neill by going on an adventure with loved ones and appreciating nature, activities he cherished.
The CCSO and the community have come together to provide comfort and support to Neill's family during this difficult time. The loss of Neill serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous forces of nature, especially along the rugged Oregon coastline.
From a reader's perspective, this tragic event underscores the importance of safety precautions when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly in challenging environments. It also highlights the power of community support and the resilience of families in the face of adversity. Neill's story will be remembered not only for its sorrow but also for the love and unity it brought to those who knew him.