Missing Salem woman found dead
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SALEM, Ore. – A 59-year-old Salem woman, who was last seen kayaking on Tuesday, was found dead Saturday morning.
Police believe Sharon Mangan drowned. Her body was found on the edge of a slough in Minto-Browns Island City Park. Her death did not appear to be suspicious, according to Salem Police Lt. Steve Birr.
Birr said Mangan was not an experienced kayaker and did not have any formal instructions. She was wearing a life jacket.
"There were no indications that her death was anything but a tragic accident," police said in a news release.
Mangan was reported missing to Salem police on Thursday.
"She liked being out on the water," said Sean Miller, who knew Mangan through work. "She was a pretty adventurous spirit."
Search crews searched for Mangan on Friday. Members of the Salem Fire Department Water Rescue Team found her kayak full of water, but did not find Mangan.
A police dog found her body shortly after the search resumed on Saturday morning, Birr said.
Mangan worked at the Oregon State Hospital as a mental health therapist.
"Sharon worked at OSH since May 2009, and was well-liked by her co-workers and patients. Hers is a significant loss to the OSH family, as it is to her own family. To all of her co-workers and friends, I extend my most sincere condolences on your loss," hospital superintendent Greg Roberts said in a statement to hospital staff.
How sad.. This woman seemed like she was really loved... I wish I knew her..
Kayaking at this time of the year is, dare I say, insane.
It's never a good idea to go boating or swimming alone, especially during the winter months.Â
At least Ms. Mangan was smart enough to wear a life jacket, which unfortunately was not enough to save her from the frigid water. But it did allow the authorities to recover her body more quickly. Without that life jacket, her family might have been waiting days, weeks or even months to know what happened, and to achieve any kind of closure. My condolences.
So very sad. Sad she died alone. Condolences to her family, friends, and coworkers.
Very sad. Kayaking this time of year is for the experts. One mistake and the water temp will render you helpless. You could be an expert swimmer and be wearing a life jacket but it won't save you from frigid water.
OK, KATU, I can understand a kayaker found dead in the river, and certainly along the river bank, but you headline says she was found dead "in the park". Where was the full of water kayak? Also "in" the park? If she was found ashore, then say so!
How sad.  RIP
I advocate the "buddy system." But mostly for everyone else. In this, I am truly a hypocrite. I regularly go packpacking or x-country skiing by myself. I treasure the solitude, and I really get my batteries recharged that way. But I know the risks. What happened to Ms.Mangan is one of them. When things go wrong and you are alone, they can go really wrong, very fast.
What was wrong with the first picture, KATU, that you had to replace it?
 @jpk What's wrong with you that this is all you get about the article.. Pathetic ahh ?
She was a good person, a good friend and I was very surprised by the accident, she's been doing it for a while. It was a common thing for her. I don't know about skill for boating but she had a good head on her. We will all miss her.
Sad that a person who was working in a field that is dedicated to helping lost her life. My thoughts and condolences go out to those close to her.
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'Birr said Mangan was not an experienced kayaker.'
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If people can take nothing else from this experience, I would hope that it would be that the Willamette during the  winter is not a good place for amateur kayakers to learn their sport.Â
Too bad she looks like a nice lady and very pretty, sorry to her friends and family.
Yes this is sad, Condolences to the family of this lady.Â
Sounds like it might be an accidental drowning. So sad.Â