PHOTO COURTESY OF OSP
The remains of a Eastern Oregon woman missing since June 18 were found at the bottom of a ravine in Union County.
On Sept. 9, the Oregon State Police were requested by the La Grande Police Department to assist with an ongoing missing person’s case in Union County. The missing person, Neli C. Rogers, 27, of La Grande, was last seen on June 18 in Union County driving a 1997 Ford Pickup.
According to La Grande Police Chief Brian Harvey, La Grande Police detectives located the Ford pickup at the bottom of a steep ravine around 3 p.m. on Wednesday. The ravine is just off highway 82 near milepost 30 (13 miles east of Elgin). The pickup was totaled and had caught fire. Harvey stated detectives located human remains in the pickup and it is suspected they are those of Rogers.
OSP conducted the crash investigation and scene reconstruction. Forensic examination and testing is scheduled to be conducted in efforts to identify the remains.
The La Grande Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Union County District Attorney’s Office, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, the Union County Medical Examiner, Union County Search and Rescue, La Grande Rural Fire Department and the Oregon State Police.
The missing person’s case involving Rogers, began on June 20 when it was reported to the La Grande Police Department. They have conducted an extensive investigation which led to the discovery of her vehicle.
The La Grande Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance if anyone has information on this case. They can be reached at 541-963-1017. This is an ongoing investigation and more information will be released when it is available.
