The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s immediate assistance in locating 71-year-old David Wright, whose disappearance has now entered its second week without a confirmed public update on his whereabouts.
Investigators continue to seek information from anyone who may have seen Wright after the morning of Tuesday, July 21, when he was last known to be in the Murphy area. As of the latest information released by authorities, no public announcement has been made indicating that he has been found, and the Sheriff’s Office continues to request assistance from the community in locating him.
According to investigators, Wright was last seen at approximately 8:00 a.m. at Jubilation Fellowship Church in Murphy. Authorities believe he departed the church riding a white Genesis mountain bicycle while wearing a tan short-sleeve shirt and plaid shorts. He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with white hair and blue eyes.
The last confirmed sighting released by investigators occurred roughly an hour and a half later when security cameras reportedly captured Wright at the Dollar General store in Murphy at approximately 9:30 a.m. on July 21. Since that time, law enforcement has not publicly identified any additional confirmed sightings or disclosed where he may have traveled after leaving the area.
The Josephine County Sheriff’s Office issued its official missing person bulletin on July 26, asking residents throughout Josephine County and neighboring communities to remain alert for Wright or the bicycle he was riding.
Investigators have not publicly stated whether Wright was carrying a cellphone, wallet or identification, nor have they released information regarding possible medical conditions, search operations or whether any evidence has been recovered during the investigation. Likewise, no indication of criminal activity or foul play has been announced by law enforcement, and officials have not released details suggesting where Wright may have traveled after the last confirmed sighting.
For family members, friends and members of the Murphy community, each passing day without answers adds to the uncertainty. Missing person investigations often depend heavily upon information from the public, particularly when someone may have been seen by motorists, bicyclists, hikers, business employees or residents who may not realize the significance of what they witnessed.
Even the smallest detail can prove valuable. A person may remember seeing an individual matching Wright’s description riding a bicycle along a rural roadway, stopping at a local business, resting in a park or traveling through a neighborhood during the morning hours of July 21. Information that may seem insignificant to one person can help investigators establish a timeline or identify new areas for follow-up.
Residents throughout Josephine County, Grants Pass, Murphy, Williams, Provolt and surrounding communities are encouraged to remain observant. Property owners are also encouraged to check security camera footage, trail cameras or other surveillance recordings from the morning and afternoon of July 21 if they have not already done so.
David Wright is described as a 71-year-old white male standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 160 pounds. He has white hair, blue eyes and was last believed to be riding a white Genesis mountain bicycle while wearing a tan short-sleeve shirt and plaid shorts.
Anyone who believes they may have seen David Wright, recognizes his bicycle, or has any information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 541-474-5123. Callers should reference Case No. 26-20107 when providing information.
The Sheriff’s Office continues to ask the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist investigators in safely bringing David Wright home.