Police are searching for the person who stole the head of “Legend the Bigfoot” this week at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene.
A spokesperson for Oregon22 confirmed the incident took place thorough a release and said a photographer was removed in relation to the theft, according to a report from Louis Krass of The Register-Guard.
“We can confirm that an accredited photographer was removed from Hayward Field in connection to the investigation of a theft at the venue,” the statement read. “This is now a police matter, and we won’t have further comments at this time.”
A University of Oregon Police Department spokesperson told the paper the photographer was identified as a person of interest in the matter before being detained and removed from Hayward Field, the venue for the World Athletics Championships. The photographer cooperated with police and is no longer considered a person of interest, per the University of Oregon Police Department.
“The theft remains under active investigation and UOPD will not be releasing further information at this time,” they said.
The spokesperson did not confirm if the head had been returned.
Legend the Bigfoot has been a popular attraction for track fans in attendance at Oregon22. The ape-like Sasquatch was named as mascot for the event to reflect the local mythology of the Pacific Northwest. It’s a tall, yellow and hairy creature dressed in purple track apparel.
The 18th edition of the World Athletics Championships is taking place in Eugene until July 24 at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. It’s the first time the event is taking place on U.S. soil.
– Aron Yohannes
