From the Office of the Sheriff Sheriff Dennis L. Dotson

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For Immediate Release

NEWS RELEASE

Date: February 25, 2008

Contact:	Sergeant Bob Jozwiak 541-265-4277 x4938 bjozwiak@co.lincoln.or.us
Incident:	Missing Person
Date Occurred:	February 23, 2008
Time Occurred:	Approximately 6:45 am
Location:	Tenmile Rd

Summary:

On 02/23/08 at approximately 1845 Lincoln County Dispatch Center received a call via a cell phone from a male subject claiming they were stuck in the snow at an unknown location. The caller advised the last road sign they remember seeing was directing them towards Hwy 36 and the other direction was Hwy 101 and Hwy 34. The cell phone then dropped out. The cell phone continued to drop out and the last call advised one of the subjects was attempting to walk out. This area is approximately 20 miles east of Hwy 101 in the coast range off of Tenmile Creek Road. That missing subject was identified 72 year old Donald Washburn of Florence.

Three 4x4 patrol vehicles from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and a USFS law enforcement 4x4 responded to the area. At approximately 2248 hours USFS located three subjects from the vehicle which was stuck in the snow. Those subjects were the wife of missing person Donald Washburn and two family members. According to those located, Washburn was last scene at approximately 1745. The tracks in the snow indicated Washburn was walking south.

This area is in north Lane County so a call was put through to Lane County Search and Rescue. With resources having to come from the Eugene area Lincoln County continued the search by vehicle until Lane County could get to the area. On 02/24/08 at approximately 0505 subject was located walking back towards the vehicle. Washburn got turned around in the fog and rain and wandered down the wrong road. Washburn was in good health and was transported home.

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