Missing Teen Located Deceased from Suspected Drug Overdose

On Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 11:20 a.m., officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau's Central Precinct responded to a stretch of the Eastbank Esplanade near Southeast Salmon Street and located the body of a deceased juvenile male. Based on evidence at the scene, detectives with the Portland Police Bureau's Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit (NOC) responded to investigate. While the Medical Examiner will make the official determination regarding cause and manner of death, preliminary findings suggest the individual died from a suspected fentanyl overdose.

The juvenile has been identified as a 14-year-old who had previously been reported missing out of Tigard in March. Read about the missing teen. 

"This is a heartbreaking outcome, especially given the victim's age," said PPB Chief Bob Day. "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones who are now facing an unimaginable loss. This case underscores the ongoing and very real dangers posed by illicit drugs in our community, particularly to young people."

PPB tracks fatal overdose notifications as part of its efforts to understand and respond to the broader public health crisis. The following are fatal overdose notifications received by NOC:

• Adult Overdose Notifications
  • 2024: 268
  • 2025: 216
  • 2026 (YTD): 75
• Juvenile Overdose Notifications
  • 2024: 7
  • 2025: 4
  • 2026 (YTD): 1

Anyone with information related to this specific case is encouraged to contact PPB.

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