Fourteen-year-old Chayton Owings, missing since March 19, was found dead on May 4 along Portland’s Eastbank Esplanade. Preliminary findings point to a suspected fentanyl overdose, though the Medical Examiner will make the official determination. Family members said Owings had run away from a rehabilitation center and was believed to have been staying in homeless encampments near the Hawthorne Bridge. Portland officials called the death "heartbreaking" and urged awareness of the risks of illicit drugs; SAMHSA helpline: 1‑800‑662‑HELP.
Missing 14-Year-Old Found Dead on Portland Esplanade; Preliminary Cause Suspected Fentanyl Overdose
14-year-old Chayton Owings, who had been missing since March, has been found dead of a suspected fentanyl overdoseCredit: Oregon Department of Human Services
Police found 14-year-old Chayton Owings dead on Monday, May 4, along Portland’s Eastbank Esplanade near Salmon Street. Authorities say preliminary findings indicate a suspected fentanyl overdose, though the Multnomah County Medical Examiner will make the official determination.
Officers were dispatched after a passerby reported seeing a person lying on the Esplanade. Detective Jordan Zaitz told local outlet KOIN that the passerby noticed something appeared wrong and called 911.
Owings, who had been reported missing from Tigard, Oregon, on March 19, was the subject of a missing-person alert. His family told reporters that he had run away from a rehabilitation center and struggled with substance use prior to his disappearance. Investigators said they believed he had been spending time in homeless encampments near the Hawthorne Bridge.
In a department release, Portland police emphasized that "while the Medical Examiner will make the official determination regarding cause and manner of death, preliminary findings suggest the individual died from a suspected fentanyl overdose."
"It's just painful never having got to experience him," the boy's father saidCredit: Oregon Department of Human Services
Owings' father, Benjamin Owings of Idaho, said he first learned of his son's death from a social media post. He told KOIN that despite efforts by caseworkers and family members, Chayton repeatedly ran away when help was offered. "It's just painful never having got to experience him in life too," Benjamin Owings said.
Portland police noted this is the city's first suspected juvenile overdose so far this year. Combined in 2024 and 2025, authorities recorded eight suspected juvenile overdose deaths and 484 suspected adult overdoses; there have been 75 suspected adult overdoses in 2026 to date.
Portland Police Bureau Chief Bob Day called the outcome "heartbreaking" and urged the public to be aware of the dangers of illicit drugs, particularly to young people. "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones who are now facing an unimaginable loss," he said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, resources are available. Contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for free, confidential support 24/7.
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