06/15/2026
Our thoughts are with the City of St. Helens, the Walsh family, and everyone affected by this tragedy. John was instrumental in making our program possible, ensuring the continuance of many business support services after the closure of the Columbia Economic Team. We will be forever grateful to him for his support, and more importantly, his legacy of service to Columbia County and St. Helens
In remembrance of him, the City has established a tribute location at Columbia View Park where community members may leave cards, notes, flowers, or other expressions. Please see the City of St. Helens' message below for further information.
Dear St. Helens community,
Saturday we lost our City Administrator of almost 14 years, and as staff, we are not okay.
Thank you for your patience as we prioritize supporting our staff during this time of loss. Many of us have worked closely with John since he became our City Administrator, and we are grieving alongside his family right now. There have been moments of tears and moments of laughter and all the mixed emotions that come with the loss of someone you have known for so long.
Some of us have been working around the clock since the call came in on Saturday night. We are having to work on high-priority tasks related to John's loss as we navigate our own emotions and continue to serve the community we care about.
Thank you for your patience with us. For your respect and your understanding during this time.
This afternoon, City Hall staff are setting up a place to honor John in Columbia View Park. This is a place for you to leave your notes, your cards, your flowers and candles, or anything else that you think will honor the memory of John.
Thank you for being gentle with us right now.
Hug your family and friends extra close today. Life is precious.
~ Crystal King, St. Helens Communications Officer on behalf of St. Helens staff
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SEARCH FOR MISSING ST. HELENS CITY ADMINISTRATOR TRANSITIONS TO RECOVERY EFFORT
St. Helens, Ore. – The search and rescue for missing St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh has officially transitioned into a recovery effort as of Monday morning, June 15, 2026. He has not been located as of the time of this press release.
City Administrator Walsh was reported to have fallen into the Columbia River off the St. Helens City docks on June 13, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m. He was not seen surfacing after he entered the water.
The St. Helens Police Department responded to the scene and a search and rescue effort was immediately launched. Since the start of the search, St. Helens Police Department has been aided by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Search efforts were initially concentrated around the St. Helens City docks area. In addition to ground and boat teams, law enforcement has utilized an aerial drone, underwater ROV, and a dive team in the search for Walsh.
At the time of this press release, police believe that Walsh accidentally fell into the water. There is no suspicion of foul play.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Marine Deputies are aiding St. Helens Police Department in the recovery efforts and will continue to patrol both sides of the Columbia River in an expanding radius as time continues.
An official tribute location honoring John Walsh is being set up by the City of St. Helens along the railing of Columbia View Park overlooking the Columbia River. Community members who would like to leave cards or notes for John’s family are encouraged to do so here.
“We understand that John was more than just a City Administrator,” said St. Helens Mayor Jennifer Massey. “He and his family live here and are involved as community members. They have touched many people’s lives, and we hope that providing this tribute location is a way for the St. Helens community to come together, grieve together, and begin to heal.”
John’s family has asked for the community’s prayers. The City of St. Helens asks that the community respect his family’s privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
St. Helens City Hall will remain closed to the public for the remainder of this week to support staff as they deal with this loss. The exceptions to this closure will be on Wednesday, June 17 during the scheduled St. Helens City Council meetings and on Thursday, June 18 at 9 a.m. to allow for St. Helens Municipal Court proceedings. Staff will be monitoring emails and working on high-priority tasks during the closure.
All other City offices will be open starting Tuesday, June 16, including the St. Helens Public Library, St. Helens Police Department, St. Helens Public Works, and the St. Helens Community Center. All City offices are closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
“Thank you to the community and our county and state partners as they support us during this very challenging moment,” said St. Helens Finance Director and temporary interim City Administrator Gloria Butsch. “Right now, our priority is supporting John’s family and City staff as we keep essential services running.”
