A 77-year-old man vanishes while picking mushrooms with friends, Oregon police say

A 77-year-old man was mushroom hunting with his friends when he vanished, Oregon police said.

Jessie Valle was reported missing Sunday, Nov. 7, after he didn’t return while picking mushrooms near Myrtle Point, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said. The group was searching for mushrooms along a road.

“Valle reportedly walked off on his own to check an area for mushrooms, but did not return,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook. “His friends searched for Valle for hours before contacting authorities for assistance.”

Officials are actively searching for the man. He was last seen wearing a black baseball hat, black coat and blue jeans.

“Because of his age and the current weather conditions, authorities are very concerned for Valle’s wellbeing,” the sheriff’s office said. “If anyone from the public has seen or sees anyone matching Valle’s description, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 541-396-2106.”

Mushroom hunting is common in Oregon in the fall, according to Travel Oregon. The state is home to several edible mushrooms.

The mushroom-picking season typically stretches from late August to the end of November or early December.

Myrtle Point is about 234 miles south of Portland.

This story was originally published November 9, 2021 at 9:15 AM with the headline "A 77-year-old man vanishes while picking mushrooms with friends, Oregon police say."