The search for Martevious D. Watts, a 37-year-old man from Medford, ended tragically on Friday, October 18, when his body was discovered in a river. After a week of exhaustive search efforts, the Medford Police Department announced that the discovery was made around 9:15 p.m., though no additional details about the cause of death or circumstances surrounding his disappearance have been released.
Watts was last seen on Thursday, October 10, near the Medford City Campgrounds on Centennial Parkway, where he had been fishing. Campers in the area reported seeing him around 3 p.m., sitting by the water with a fishing pole, a camping chair, and his shoes nearby. By the next day, his belongings were found abandoned, raising concern and sparking a large-scale search operation.
The search for Watts involved a coordinated effort from multiple agencies and organizations. Early in the search, police discovered his fishing equipment and shoes near the banks of the river. Local authorities were quick to respond, launching ground, air, and water searches to locate him. The Marathon County Sheriff’s Department Dive Team, known for their expertise in underwater recoveries, was brought in to aid the water search. The water level in Mill Pond was intentionally lowered to assist the dive team in searching for any signs of Watts.
Two well-known volunteer organizations—Wings of Hope and Christian Aid Ministries Search and Rescue—played critical roles in the search efforts. These organizations specialize in conducting comprehensive ground and aerial searches and worked tirelessly with local authorities to scour the surrounding areas for any traces of Watts. Drones were deployed to provide aerial views of the vast riverbank and nearby wooded areas, while divers combed through submerged sections of the river. As days passed without any significant leads, the search intensity grew, and the community hoped for a positive outcome.
Despite their relentless efforts, the search did not yield immediate results. The area around Mill Pond and the adjacent river is known for its tricky terrain, and the fluctuating water levels added further complications. On Friday evening, however, search teams finally located Watts’ body in the river, effectively ending the week-long search that had kept both authorities and the community on edge.
Watts’ death has left the community grappling with grief, and many are still seeking answers as to what may have led to his tragic disappearance. While the Medford Police Department has confirmed the recovery of his body, they have yet to release any information regarding a possible cause of death or whether foul play is suspected. Authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy, which will hopefully provide some closure on the exact cause of death.
The discovery of Watts’ body brings a somber conclusion to the search, which had gripped the Medford area over the past week. Many residents expressed their sorrow and extended condolences to the Watts family, who had held out hope that their loved one might still be found alive. Vigils and moments of silence were held in Medford throughout the week as the search continued, a testament to the community’s support and solidarity during the trying time.
The police have not yet disclosed whether they plan to continue investigating any other circumstances surrounding the case. However, they have urged anyone with additional information to come forward, emphasizing that every piece of information, no matter how small, can be crucial to understanding what happened.
As the investigation continues, Martevious D. Watts’ death serves as a reminder of the sometimes-unpredictable nature of the great outdoors. While the specifics surrounding his disappearance remain unclear, the Medford community has rallied around his family, offering support and prayers during this difficult time.