Earlier this morning, at about 8:30 a.m., a citizen flagged down a Medford police officer to advise someone was under the 10th Street Bridge, and in need of help. The officer located the person by the waterline of the creek, but they were beyond help.
A death investigation was conducted, and detectives were assisted by the Jackson County Medical Examiner’s office. Evidence at the scene suggests the decedent had possibly suffered from hypothermia.
Officers were familiar with the individual and knew him to camp in the area, although no bedding was located on scene. The decedent also had multiple underlying medical conditions, which could be contributing factors to his death.
The official cause and manner of death remain under investigation. The decedent has been identified as Manuel Barboza-Valerio, 29 years old. Next of kin have been notified.
The Medford Police Livability team has been actively contacting homeless individuals to advise them when the Navigation Center is open, as well as other available homeless resources.
Receive text notifications when warming shelters are open by texting MEDF4SHELTHERS to 888777.
