COTTAGE GROVE, Ore. – The body of Robert Ray Bennett II, a Cottage Grove man who went missing in December 2024, has been recovered from Dorena Lake, according to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO).
Bennett, 34, was last seen on December 28, 2024, when he went missing near a campsite located close to Brice Creek. At the time, the area was experiencing extremely high water levels, which complicated the search efforts. His disappearance prompted an extensive search and rescue operation, which included both ground and water-based teams.
After months of searching, on March 2, 2025, a boater on Dorena Lake spotted a body floating in the water. The lake, located downstream from Brice Creek, had been a focal point of the search as authorities continued to follow leads and conduct thorough investigations. Deputies from the LCSO recovered the body and later confirmed it was that of Bennett.
The circumstances surrounding Bennett’s disappearance remain under investigation, but officials believe the high water levels at the time may have played a significant role in the tragedy. The sheriff’s office has extended its condolences to Bennett’s family and is working to provide them with further information.
Bennett’s case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by rapidly changing water conditions, particularly in the winter months when water levels can fluctuate unexpectedly. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office continues to urge outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution when recreating near waterways during extreme weather conditions.
As the investigation into the cause of death continues, the community of Cottage Grove mourns the loss of a local resident, and search and rescue teams reflect on the months-long effort to bring closure to this case.
