KLAMATH FALLS, OR -- The owner of Klamath Falls Boxing and Fitness died from an apparent suicide Monday, the same day he was to report to jail on sex charges involving a 15-year-old girl, according to multiple media reports.
Edward G. Clarke was found hanging by a rope in the club, which according to a local TV station was shut down in November due to code enforcement. Klamath County authorities confirmed the death.
Clarke had been charged with rape and sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty and had until Monday to post $25,000 bail or report to Jackson County (OR) Jail in Medford.
Clarke was arrested May 23 after witnesses told police that Clarke and the girl engaged in a sex act in a vehicle outside a Medford movie theater. Under Oregon law, a person is charged with third-degree rape if they have sex with a person under 16 years old.