Human Remains Recovered Near Grave Creek Believed to Be Missing Man
Investigators believe the remains are those of Randall “Randy” Hecker, but confirmation is pending an autopsy by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. — Human remains believed to be those of missing Grants Pass resident Randall “Randy” Hecker were recovered Thursday from steep, rugged terrain near Reuben Mountain, according to the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.
A member of Josephine County Search and Rescue was checking an area beyond the Grave Creek Bridge at approximately 12:15 p.m. July 16 when observations along the roadside led the volunteer to suspect human remains were nearby.
Because the area lacked cellular service, the SAR member began driving toward Merlin to contact investigators. Along the way, the volunteer encountered Oregon State Police troopers and a Josephine County sheriff’s deputy at the Galice Resort and reported the discovery.
The officers responded to the area and traveled down the steep terrain, where they located a deceased person.
Detectives from Oregon State Police, the Grants Pass Police Department, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and Josephine County District Attorney’s Office responded alongside a Josephine County SAR rope team. The rope team recovered the remains under what the sheriff’s office described as treacherous conditions.
Investigators believe the deceased person is Hecker, 67, but identification remains pending an autopsy by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office. Hecker’s family has been notified.
The recovery follows a search that began after Hecker disappeared from the 900 block of Summer Lane near Grants Pass.
Israel Wytcherley, 50, was initially arrested on charges of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and unlawful use of a weapon. The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office later announced that a grand jury indicted him on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
The sheriff’s office thanked the agencies and members of the public who assisted with the search. The agency also recognized the SAR volunteer who made the discovery and the rope team responsible for recovering the remains.
Josephine County Search and Rescue operates with one paid deputy and volunteers who donate their time and specialized skills to assist throughout the county.
RELATED
July 14, 2026: 50-Year-Old Man Indicted for Murder as Search Continues for Missing Grants Pass Resident
Cover image:
