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10/13/02 - By Matt Hall

Utilizing a combination of high-tech expertise and dedicated diving professionals, the Klamath County Sheriff's Office Saturday recovered the remains of drowning victim Robert Ray Hunt of Eugene, whose body has been in Crescent Lake since Sept. 4, 2000.

The recovery culminated a concerted effort in which searchers previously found the bodies of Gerald Peck of Riddle in Odell Lake in about 150 feet of water, and the body of Harley Dain Olson in Crescent Lake in about 165 feet of water. Peck's body had been in the lake since June 27, Olson drowned June 10, 2001.

The recovery of the body, described by Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger as "somewhat deteriorating," was achieved at a depth of "about 180 feet" below the lake's surface. A sophisticated sonar device and a remote operated vehicle (ROV) were used.

Gene Ralston, owner of Ralston and Associates of Kuna, Idaho, used a boat equipped with a $100,000 sonar device that scanned the bottoms of Odell and Crescent lakes. But Hunt's body was found so deep, according to Evinger, that the ROV was also called in.

"Gene Ralson ordered the ROV," said Evinger. "It's a remote controlled unmanned submarine with cameras in it. It was so deep that we sent the ROV down for a look at the site on camera - to access the bottom condition and the condition of the remains."

Evinger had praise for all involved in the recovery effort, including those living in the "Crescent Lake area who now have some peace of mind," and the Rural Patrol Team.

But it was the dive itself, and the members of the Sheriff Dive Rescue Team who performed it who rated Evinger's highest praise.

"It was so deep, and at altitude also," he said, "the divers took quite a risk to assist the sheriff's office in the conclusion of this case.

"It required a special mix of oxygen, nitrogen and helium, a special 'tri-mix' gas, and enabled us to help bring about closure."

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