FORT BRAGG, CA., 12/23/24 — A body found under Noyo River Bridge Monday morning was wearing jewelry that belonged to missing teen Roy Mora, a press release from the Fort Bragg Police Department said. Mora’s mother identified the necklace, the press release said.
Police said the body was not identifiable otherwise. An unidentified person found the body just after 8 a.m. Monday morning and called dispatch. Although officers who arrived could not identify the body, they noted the person was wearing the same clothes Mora was wearing when he disappeared. The area around the bridge had been searched dozens of times by law enforcement and volunteers.
A search has been going on for more than two weeks after Mora, 15, disappeared following the Dec 7 Lighted Truck Parade in downtown Fort Bragg. A barista at the Mendocino Cookie Company identified Mora’s phone when a man living nearby in his car turned it into the coffee shop. She had seen it on the brochures around town and called the police.
Police used that evidence, cell phone location and other data to triangulate Mora’s whereabouts. They tracked him entering Noyo Bridge shortly after the parade. His phone was found on the sidewalk of the bridge, but no cameras showed him leaving, nor did police find evidence that cars slowed down on the bridge.
Police say the search for Mora will continue. Until the medical examiner makes a positive identification through DNA, FBPD will continue to follow leads regarding Mora. Based on all evidence to date, there is no sign of foul play, the press release said.
Police Chief Neil Cervenka said in the press release, “The entire police department is devastated and is grieving with our community. Our entire staff has been working continuously to find Roy, and through that, have come to know him. Our thoughts are with Roy’s family and friends.”
Fort Bragg PD would like to thank Fort Bragg Fire Department and the US Coast Guard for their assistance with Monday’s recovery, Cervenka said. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact FBPD Dispatch with the Fort Bragg Police Department at (707) 964-0200 or email room-299199@room.veoci.com.
That is sad, I was hoping they find Roy alive and well. Heartbreak sensing why Roy may have taken his life, and why I say that because I almost took mine at times from family and friends rejecting me.
R.I.P.🙏
I’m so glad you found strength and hope to carry on and I’m devastated we couldn’t build a safer world for all
So thankful that they found him. So sorry for his family. The family will now at least have closer.🙏🙏🙏
Extending my greatest condolences to the Mora family, I apologise and hope they all are able to manage Roy’s death well. He was my best friend, and a great, loving human. Losing him was like losing a part of me and I know it isn’t a simple thing to overcome for the family. Sending prayers and love❤️🙏
Dear Isabella,
My name is Sydney, and I am one of the reporters at The Mendocino Voice. I’d love to interview you or your family about the impact of Roy’s passing on the community. Please let me know and give me an email if you can, and also ask your guardians if this would be okay.
I miss him so much. my best friend of 4 years, so many memories made with him. I’ll miss his laugh, voice, hugs, smile,saying love you to him, and his jokes. I’ll miss him walking me to class and me walking him.