Missing Oregon Man’s Remains Found in Applegate Valley Spark Suspicious Death Investigation

JACKSONVILLE, Ore. — The skeletal remains found in the Applegate Valley in April 2024 were identified as 63-year-old Nathan Louis Merkel of Wimer, who was reported missing in September 2023. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) has identified persons of interest in their investigation.

After transversing rugged terrain to recover skeletal remains found outside Jacksonville discovered by mushroom hunters in the Applegate Valley, JCSO investigating detectives and the medical examiner determined that Merkel died under suspicious circumstances and identified persons of interest.

At the time, police indicated that the remains had been exposed to the elements for a long time. Still, DNA was extracted and sent to outside laboratories for identification.

Merkel was last seen at the beginning of June 2023 after letting a man and woman move into his house.

The pair claimed he moved out, and his vehicle was traded in at a dealership after he went missing. The persons of interest are currently out of the county in custody on other charges.

JCSO said the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects’ names will be released pending further investigation and charges. They confirmed there is no danger to the public right now.