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

The family of a man whose body was found in the Willamette River near Steel Bridge is asking the public for help in determining his fate.

The identity of 35-year-old Daniel Earl Ray was publicly confirmed Thursday by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, four days after his body was recovered from the river.

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

“He was a wonderful man,” he said. “If you would like to help the family in any way, any information will hopefully help us to have complete peace of mind.”

Daniel Ray disappeared on Nov. 6 while en route to Texas to attend his 2-year-old daughter’s birthday, Willie Ray said.

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

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

The county medical examiner’s office declined The Oregonian/OregonLive’s request to release its determination on the cause of death.

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

Anyone with information about Daniel Ray is asked to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at (503) 823-3333.

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