
The Kimsey family shared new details about the five people found dead near Forest Grove, shedding some light on who they were.
FOREST GROVE, Ore. — The Kimsey family has shared new information about the five people who were found dead on a property outside Forest Grove on Saturday.
The victims were identified Monday as Mary Elizabeth Kimsey from Portland; Rowan Karla Kimsey from Forest Grove; Stella Jade Kimsey from Forest Grove; and Linsey Mae Heraldsen and Alvin Raymond Chu, both from Portland.
The 85-year-old Mary Kimsey of Portland was described as a loving, spiritual person and an activist. She was Rowan’s mother and Stella’s grandmother.
“Mary was the matriarch of our wide and close-knit family. She was a caring person to her family and her community. She was also a spiritual person who was an activist for people, nature, and the earth,” Povolny read from the Kimsey family’s statement.
A talented artist trained in both traditional forms and tattooing, 60-year-old Rowan Kimsey of Forest Grove was credited with teaching her craft to many people in the region. Rowan was Stella’s mother, and was described as an adventurer who had a clever sense of humor.
“Rowan was an incredibly talented and dedicated artist, traditional and tattoo. And trained many artists in the Pacific Northwest who carry her teaching and mentorship on in their work. She had a delightfully sharp wit and loved every new adventure,” Povolny read.
Described as determined and passionate, 26-year-old Stella was happiest while embracing life on the farm, the family’s statement said.
“Stella was incredibly passionate and fiercely loving. When she believed in something, she never gave up or backed down. Farm life was what she was born to do, and she was never happier than when she was living out on the land,” Povolny read. “They all adored animals, being out in nature, and above all, each other and their family. It would make them very happy to know that the farm animals have found a good life where they will be well-cared for.”
As Stella’s best friend, Linsey Haraldsen, 26, was described as a special part of the Kimsey family.
“Linsey Haraldsen was a beloved part of our family too. She was as much a sister to Stella’s sister, Alexis, as Stella was, and they were inseparable for many years. She was sweet and funny, and she was the kind of friend to Stella and others that everyone deserved to have,” Povolny read.
Less is known about 27-year-old Alvin, according to the Kimsey family, but they acknowledged that he held an important role as Linsey’s partner. They added that he was well-liked by members of the family.
“We sadly did not know Alvin. But he must have been a very special person for Linsey to have loved him and for Mary, Rowan, and Stella to have liked him as much and as sincerely as we know they did,” Povolny read.
The Chu family requested that no photograph of him be released to the public, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.