Updated at 8:24 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
Skeletal remains discovered east of Packwood have not been identified but they were found near the wreckage of car registered to a Tacoma man who was reported missing last year.
Detectives rappelled 275 feet down an embankment today to examine the find off of U.S. Highway 12 about seven miles west of White Pass, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
Two men hiking in the area yesterday afternoon came across the vehicle and the remains over a cliff near the highway, according to the sheriff’s office. Authorities waited until daylight conduct the recovery operation, Chief Civil Deputy Stacy Brown said in a news release.
They were assisted by Packwood Search and Rescue members at the scene near milepost 143, according to Brown.
Nothing indicated a crime and investigators believe the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and left the roadway; the highway has no guard rail in that area, according to Brown.
The remains have not been positively identified, but authorities are operating under the assumption at this point they belong to the missing man, according to Lewis County Coroner Warren McLeod.
McLeod said he’s hopeful he’ll be able to make a confirmation fairly quickly with dental records.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Krystal, do you realize how ill-mannered and obnoxious you sound? I’d be willing to bet if you had a particular issue, Sharyn would try to fix it. I.’ve noticed she’s pretty conscientious, but “pobody’s nerfect”. Except, maybe for you, Krystal.
I second Dave. Love this page. Timely, well-written, and free. No complaints here! Thanks, Sharyn!
Proofed, edited, or reviewed, I appreciate the ongoing daily reporting. Thank you!
David
Toledo WA
Do you know what proofreading is?