Loved Ones Speak Out on 34-Year-Old's Death; Murder Investigation Ongoing

And we now know more about a death that Siskiyou County sheriff’s detectives are tonight treating as a murder. We spoke with friends and family of 34-year-old Michael Christopher MacCallum who say the man they love was found dead around the time of his birthday.

Family and friends of 34-year-old Michael Christopher MacCallum say they’re shocked.

“It’s hard for me to talk about. I’ve lost a great friend,” said Alyssa White, who identifies herself as MacCallum’s best friend.

“We’re all just trying to get through it as best as we can,” said father, Mike MacCallum.

According to the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, a body was found last week at the bottom of a steep cliff just outside of Hilt near the Oregon and California border.

Family and friends confirmed it was MacCallum who lived and worked in Medford. Loved ones believe he died sometime around his birthday last weekend.

“I received a call on Wednesday, that’s when I found out he was dead,” said MacCallum.

MacCallum’s father says at first it was investigated as a missing person’s report after MacCallum, who went by his middle name,Chris, disappeared on a family camping trip.

Now the Siskiyou Sheriff’s Office says they’re handling the case as a murder.

“He was a great person, so I don’t know who would have it out for him or try to hurt him,” said White.

Alyssa White, who says she was MacCallum’s best friend says the 34-year-old was known to many people as fun and out-going.

“Everyone liked him. He touched everyone’s heart. I still can’t believe it went from missing to murder,” said White.

Police aren’t saying much and have not released the cause of death as they continue their investigation. MacCallum worked at Checker Cab in Medford and leaves behind a wife, and two young children. Anyone with information is asked to call the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office at 530-841-2900.