Body of Missing19-Year-Old Discovered in the Trinity River

Joseph Viveiros Dawson

Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has positively identified human remains discovered in the Trinity River near Red Rock in Hoopa on May 18, 2024, as that of 19-year-old Rodney Joseph Viveiros Dawson Jr. (DOB 05/02/2004) of Fortuna, CA.

Dawson was reported missing to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office on April 22 after being swept away in the Trinity River near Tish Tang Campground. Search teams were unable to locate Dawson during a multi-weeklong search and rescue operation in the area.

Dawson’s death has been ruled accidental, with the cause of death determined to be probable drowning.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies to Rodney Dawson’s family during this difficult time.

Earlier:

• Search Underway for Missing Juvenile Swept Away in Trinity River
• Tragic River Rescue Effort in Humboldt County: Multiple Agencies Mobilize as Search for Missing Teen Continues
• Tragic River Rescue Effort in Humboldt County: Multiple Agencies Mobilized During Search for Missing Teen in Trinity River