Authorities ID man whose remains were found near Hwy. 242 snow gate west of Sisters; foul play not suspected

(Update: Man's name released)

SISTERS, Ore.  (KTVZ) – A small group of mushroom hunters discovered a man's remains near the snow gate on state Highway 242 (the McKenzie Pass Highway) west of Sisters on Saturday afternoon, and a subsequent investigation has found no signs of foul play, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said Monday.

On Tuesday, they said they had confirmed the man's identity as Marcus Ryan Kawano, 44.

Deputies were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. to the site of the deceased man, Sergeant Jayson Janes said Monday. A death investigation soon began, with deputies and a deputy county medical examiner on scene to assist, and the District Attorney's Office also was involved, as they are in all death investigations.

"The investigation found no evidence of foul play," Janes said.

Sgt. Doug Sullivan said Kawano was a transient who moved around the area “quite a bit,” but last was known to be residing in the Sisters area. His body was found within 200 feet of the highway, in the area of an old lava flow.

“It appears it was some kind of fall” that claimed the man’s life, probably several weeks ago, Sullivan said, adding that there was "nothing suspicious" found at the scene, or any sign of a "criminal event" or danger to the public.