The family of a man found dead last month at Marion Square Park in downtown Salem is searching for answers as to what killed Cristihan Meza Reyes, a 41-year-old father of seven.
Police found Meza Reyes at the park the morning of Jan. 4. He had been missing for one day, and his family was searching for him. Due to the location of his death, those close to him suspect investigators assumed he was homeless and died of a drug overdose.
“My father was not a drug addict nor was he homeless,” Vianey Meza said. “He was so young. We’ve never experienced a loss like this.”
She said her father was a skilled, hardworking agricultural worker. He loved to watch soccer and spent his time off work playing with his kids, including 3-year-old twins and a kindergartner.
Meza, a Willamette University student with plans to be a doctor, said her father was proud of his children pursuing an education.
Family of Cristihan Meza Reyes frustrated with Salem Police investigation
From the beginning, Meza said her family has been frustrated with the investigation. They were initially called and told he was in critical condition at the hospital. Meza said that turned out to be a fingerprint miscommunication. Her father was not at the hospital; he was in a nearby funeral home.