Body Of Missing JBLM Soldier Recovered From Skokomish River

MASON COUNTY, WA — The Mason County Sheriff's Office late last week announced it had recovered the body of the missing soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), who went was thought to have fallen from the cliffs near the High Steel Bridge over Skokomish River while hiking with a friend April 7.

Mason County Coroner Wes Stockwell on Monday confirmed his office made a presumptive identification of the soldier but was still awaiting dental records to announce a positive ID. That announcement is expected around mid-week, Stockwell said.

The soldier was reportedly hiking along a near-vertical cliff when he slipped and fell into the river below.

After searching the Skokomish River canyon throughout the day April 8, the Mason County Sheriff's Office temporarily suspended the search until the river's high water decreased.

More than two months after the soldier went missing, the sheriff's office on June 27 said "significantly lower water levels" allowed searchers to successfully recovered the soldier's body, announcing on Twitter, "(he) will be going home!"

After the soldier was recovered, sheriff's officials wrapped him in the U.S. flag.