Search teams find missing man’s body in Lewis River; no crime suspected

Search teams looking for a man missing from the Lewis River RV Park for several days found his body early Wednesday in the Lewis River, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies said they did not suspect foul play.

The sheriff’s office said the park manager contacted deputies late Tuesday to report one of the park residents, Stephen Glen Orley, 69, had not been seen for several days.

The manager said Orley had health problems and dementia, and his car was left with his trailer. Neighbors told a deputy they hadn’t seen him, and another neighbor said they heard Orley yelling early Tuesday morning, but dismissed it because it wasn’t uncommon, given his dementia.

Local hospitals and relatives said they hadn’t seen him either, the sheriff’s office said.

Cowlitz County search and rescue volunteers combed the area Wednesday morning and found his body in the river, about 100 yards downstream from his trailer.

The sheriff’s office said Wednesday afternoon deputies had yet to examine Orley’s body, but said there were no initial indications his death was connected to any crime.