Update: Surfer identified as Stefen Ray Nutter of Florence

June 10 Update: The identity of the deceased person located in the ocean north of Florence on June 9 has been confirmed as 31-year-old Stefen Ray Nutter of Florence. He was reported missing Wednesday after not returning from a surfing trip in the area. At this time, there is no evidence of foul play or criminal activity contributing to his death.

June 9, 2022 — At approximately 10:30 p.m. June 8, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an overdue surfer in the area of Heceta Beach north of Florence. The surfer had last been seen around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue, along with United States Coast Guard personnel, responded and began searching the area.

The Coast Guard and Search and Rescue searched throughout the day Thursday, checking in with Sea Lion Caves and other neighboring areas.

Close to noon June 9, Coast Guard personnel located a deceased subject in the water not far from where the overdue surfer was believed to have been surfing.

The identity of the involved is being withheld at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.