Died August 10, 2009

News story reprinted from the Molalla Pioneer, August 10, 2009. By Bethany Monroe Posted Aug. 10, 2009

BREAKING NEWS City Councilor Ryan Morgan's body found after kayaking accident in Little White Salmon River The body and kayak of Molalla City Councilor Ryan Morgan were found by a search team at about 12:15 this afternoon, stuck in a log jam on the lower Little White Salmon River, according to Skamania County Sheriff's Office.

Morgan had been separated from his friend Marcus Fant of Oregon City late yesterday afternoon while the two were out kayaking. When Morgan failed to arrive at the take out point by the Little White Salmon River salmon hatchery about 12 miles east of Stevenson, Wash., Fant reported him missing.

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Astoria identified a possible location at 10:45 a.m. today and Wet Planet, a whitewater guide service, sent a kayak team to find the body. Morgan was discovered about half a mile to three-fourths of a mile upriver from the salmon hatchery.

Authorities are currently waiting for a technical white water rescue team to arrive to assist in pulling Morgan and his kayak from the log debris. The terrain is described as a very narrow, steep walled canyon, with a large volume of water from the upper level snow pack.

SCSO released Morgan's identity this afternoon after notifying his wife, Danielle Morgan, and other relatives.

Morgan was appointed to Molalla City Council in December of 2008. He was a graduate of Molalla High School and earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Western Oregon University.

He worked in Molalla as a site coordinator for Todos Juntos, a youth intervention and prevention program.

"Ryan Morgan was an exceptional guy who will be greatly missed by his many friends and admirers. In his work with the juvenile justice system, he provided a strong and positive role model for the young men he supervised in performing community service projects," City Manager John Atkins said in a statement this afternoon following the confirmation of Morgan's death. "He was very well thought of as an energetic young leader who wanted to serve his community and make Molalla a better place. People like Ryan Morgan don't come along all that often and I was privileged to know him and work with him."

Obituary reprinted from the Online Molalla Pioneer, Molalla, Oregon, August 19, 2009.

Ryan Stephen Morgan, 31, of Molalla died in a kayaking accident on the Little White Salmon River on Aug. 9, 2009.

He was born Oct. 22, 1977 in Portland, Ore. to Paul and Sheryl Morgan of Beavercreek, Ore. At an early age, he developed a love for sports and the outdoors. He graduated from Molalla High School and completed his bachelor’s degree at Western Oregon University. He married Danielle Smith Morgan on Sept. 16, 2006 at Ringo Pond in Beavercreek.

He was active in the local community, serving on the Molalla City Council and working as the Molalla site coordinator for Todos Juntos. He coached track and cross country at Molalla High School and worked with diversion programs, youth clubs and Boys Advocacy and Mentoring. He was also a part of Foothills Community Church, Molalla RiverWatch, Molalla Weed and Seed and Molalla River Alliance and was heavily involved in the Ivor Davies Park project. His hobbies included kayaking, rafting, mountain climbing, backpacking and running.

Survivors include his wife, Danielle Morgan of Molalla; parents, Paul and Sheryl Morgan of Molalla; brothers, Todd of Boring and James of Oregon City and his sister, Julie of Vancouver.

Services were held Aug. 16 at the Molalla High School track at Heckard Field. Pastor Dale Satrum officiated. Arrangements were handled by Molalla Funeral Chapel. Contributions can be made to the Ryan Morgan Memorial at U.S. Bank.