By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The occupants of a guide boat on the Cowlitz River spotted fishing waders on a branch in the water yesterday that led to the discovery of human remains in the area of the Mandy Road boat launch outside Toledo.
Authorities are investigating the possibility they belong to a 43-year-old man from Des Moines who vanished while fishing early this year several miles upriver, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
Friends came to meet up with Prathana Nammavong on January 28 in the Blue Creek Boat Launch area and found his vehicle, fishing poles and chair, but not him. That boat launch is south of Ethel, off Spencer Road.
Chief Deputy Dusty Breen said there are some indications the remains recovered yesterday may be Nammavong but the identity, cause and manner of death need to be determined.
“To us, it’s a very strong possibility, but we don’t want to jump to conclusions,” Breen said.
Breen said a representative of Nammavong’s family was notified yesterday of the find and that it is possibly their loved one.
Breen asks anyone with any information on these remains to contact the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office at 360-748-9286, or Lewis County Communications at 360-740-1105.
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For background, read “News brief: Missing Cowlitz River fisherman still not located” from Wednesday February 1, 2017, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
Hardy har har peabrain. Fishwaders need a qucick release!
I have been thinking about this guy every time I crossed the Cowlitz River. Waders plus the cold water gasp reflex in a very swiftly flowing river. At least he died doing what he loved. May he RIP.
I’m glad the fish ate a nutritional well balanced meal, thank you for your sacrifice to feed the fish! #Fishlivesmatter
May he rest in peace, and the family finally have closure.