Steven Mainwaring was a 22-year-old airman who worked at the Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Oregon. He was also a student at the Oregon State University, majoring in computer science. He was reported missing on December 18, 2022, after he failed to show up for work and classes. His body was found on January 1, 2023, on Marys Peak, a mountain near Corvallis. His death remains a mystery, as no evidence of foul play or criminal activity was found.
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A Promising and Dedicated Airman
Steven Mainwaring was born on June 15, 2000, in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from the Wilson High School in 2018, where he was a member of the robotics team and the chess club. He joined the Air National Guard in 2019 and completed his basic training at the Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. He then moved to the Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base in Klamath Falls, where he worked as a cyber transport systems specialist.
According to his superiors and colleagues, he was a promising and dedicated airman, who excelled in his duties and showed great potential. He was also a friendly and helpful person, who was well-liked by his peers. He received several awards and commendations, including the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.
A Missing Person Case with Few Clues
Steven Mainwaring was last seen on December 17, 2022, at his apartment in Corvallis, where he lived with his girlfriend. He was supposed to report for work at the Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base on December 18, but he never showed up. He also missed his classes at the Oregon State University, where he was enrolled as a full-time student. His girlfriend reported him missing on December 19, after she could not reach him by phone or text.
The Corvallis Police Department and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office launched a search for Steven Mainwaring, with the assistance of the Air National Guard and the Oregon State Police. They issued a public appeal for information and released a description of his vehicle, a 1994 dark navy blue Ford Bronco with a large black metal roof rack. They also checked his phone records, bank accounts, and social media accounts, but found no clues to his whereabouts or his intentions.
A Tragic Discovery on Marys Peak
On January 1, 2023, volunteers who were participating in the search for Steven Mainwaring found his Ford Bronco in a remote area of Marys Peak, a mountain near Philomath. They notified the authorities, who arrived at the scene and discovered his body near the vehicle. According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, there was no evidence of criminal activity or foul play, and the cause of death was not immediately apparent.
The Benton County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy and toxicology tests on Steven Mainwaring’s body, but the results have not been released to the public. The investigation into his death is still ongoing, and the authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, including suicide, accident, or natural causes.
Steven Mainwaring’s family, friends, and co-workers expressed their grief and shock over his death, and remembered him as a smart, kind, and loyal person, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was buried with full military honors at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland. A memorial service was also held at the Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base, where he was honored with a flyover and a flag presentation.
Steven Mainwaring cause of death was a tragic and mysterious end for a young and talented airman. He left behind a legacy of service and excellence in the Air National Guard and beyond. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by many.
