The body of a 64-year-old Hillsboro man was recovered in Little Cultus Lake, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
On October 7, 2024, at approximately 7:35pm, deputies with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the report of a missing person at Little Cultus Lake Campground. The reporting party – a family member – told deputies he was on a camping and fishing trip with Kent Christopher. The family member said while they were fishing in Little Cultus Lake, they lost their balance and fell out of their boat.
Deputies learned the two could not climb back into the boat and became separated while swimming back to shore. The family member was able to return to the campground several hours later on foot, and discovered Christopher had not yet arrived. He then drove to Cascades Lakes Highway in order to reacquire cell service and contact Deschutes County 911.
Deputies met with the family member at approximately 8:10pm and were led to the campsite. While deputies searched along the lake’s bank on foot for Christopher, another Deputy with drone capability responded.
At approximately 9:24pm, Christopher’s body was located in the water with the use of the drone. Marine deputies with Sheriff’s Search & Rescue were dispatched and were able to recover Christopher that night. Deputies examined the body and do not believe foul play was involved in the drowning.
