On October 2, 2023, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) was called to a scene in NW Corvallis to conduct a death investigation involving a house fire.

At approximately 12:00 pm, BCSO responded to a residence located in the 3200 block of NW 60th Street, Corvallis, following a request from fire personnel present at the scene.

During their efforts to suppress the fire, firefighters from the Corvallis Fire Department discovered a deceased male inside the structure. They promptly evacuated the lone individual from the residence.

Upon assuming jurisdiction of the case, BCSO determined that the deceased individual, identified as 73-year-old Steven Payne, died of an apparent suicide.

This case remains under investigation; there is no threat to the public related to this incident. Further updates will be provided under the direction of the Benton County District Attorney’s Office.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Horn at brian.horn@bentoncountyor.gov or 541-760-4640.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Benton County Public Works, Consumers Power Inc, and Northwest Natural Gas for their assistance during this incident.