Terina Kaye Chapman, a 63-year-old woman from Southeast Portland, was reported missing by a friend after she did not return from a solo hike to Oneonta Falls. Her body was tragically found at the bottom of a cliff near Horsetail Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Chapman was identified by officials from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, who notified her next of kin and clarified her age after originally thinking she was 61.
Chapman, described as a “(p)aleo chef, caterer, culinary teacher, food coach, and counselor,” had a diverse background that included working part-time at New Seasons for over 13 years and volunteering as a line cook at a women’s shelter. She also helped with Mingus Mapps’ team during his run for election to Portland City Council in 2020. Despite her involvement in the community and her professional pursuits, Chapman’s untimely death has left many questions unanswered. Officials have not determined the cause of her death or whether she encountered any issues before falling from the cliff.
The search for Chapman involved over 50 people, tracking dogs, drones, and multiple search and rescue teams. Her body was discovered around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday after an extensive search that started the night before when her friend reported her missing. Chapman’s tragic passing has deeply affected those who knew her, highlighting the risks associated with outdoor activities and the importance of safety measures while exploring nature.