Man found dead in Willamette River Sunday identified; family seeks answers

The family of a man whose body was found in the Willamette River near the Steel Bridge is asking for the public's help in finding out what happened to him.

Daniel Earl Ray, 35, was publicly identified Thursday by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, four days after his body was found in the river.

His brother, Willie Ray, 34, who lives in Irving, Texas, described Daniel Ray as charismatic, intelligent and loving.

“He was a handsome man,” he said. “If you would like to help the family in any way, any information will hopefully help put us completely at ease.”

Daniel Ray disappeared Nov. 6 while traveling to Texas for his 2-year-old daughter's birthday, Willie Ray said.

Daniel Ray had taken a bus from Spokane, where he lived, and got off the bus in Portland, Willie Ray said. He said his brother got into an altercation on a subway on Nov. 2, which led to his arrest.

Daniel Ray was released later that day, according to court records, and he was last seen near Willamette by a police officer on Nov. 6, Willie Ray said.

The county medical examiner's office denied The Oregonian/OregonLive's request to release its determination of the cause of death.

Willie Ray said he did not believe his brother was suicidal and added that Daniel Ray was a good swimmer.

Anyone with information about Daniel Ray can contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office at (503) 823-3333.

— Tanner Todd covers crime and public safety. Contact them at [email protected] or 503-221-4313.