PRESS RELEASES/ MEDIA REPORTS

JANUARY 2026

DEPUTY CORONER STRUCK BY VEHICLE WHILE INVESTIGATING EARLIER FATALITY 

SPIRIT LAKE HWY &  REYNOLDS ROAD ACCIDENT

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The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office family would like to express its deepest gratitude for the overwhelming support following the incident injuring Deputy Coroner Enriquez out Spirit Lake Hwy, Castle Rock, WA in the early hours on 1/24/2026. Deputy Enriquez was finalizing her scene investigation for the fatality that took place during the late hours of 1/23/2026, when she was struck by a pickup truck traveling at a high speed, and entering a closed area.

Today was a difficult day for us all, as we know how close we almost came to losing one of our own. The scene should have been so much worse, yet we can see God’s protection over everyone working it and are so grateful to Him for his preservation. So many things took place at the exact time that was needed to have saved multiple other lives today, and we can see that without a doubt.

We wish to extend our profound gratitude to the first responders, medical professionals, and the local community for their swift action and overwhelming support following the traumatic incident on 1/24/2026 that left Deputy Enriquez wounded in the line of duty.

The swift, response from all that were on and off scene; our very own Chief Deputy Coroner Christie Masters, who remained by her side the entire time like a mother hen that won’t leave her young, our local WSP Troopers, CCSO Deputies, Local Fire and Medics, DOT, Kelso PD, Christian Brothers Towing, and everyone else working the scene and/or quick to respond. We also thank SJMC staff, doctors and nurses, and the surgeons, nurses, and staff at Southwest Hospital, for their exceptional care and dedication to our deputy’s recovery. We are so thankful to be a part of such an amazing extended family who looks out for one another.

The outpouring of love, prayers, and support from our community, as well as surrounding ones, has been an immense source of strength for Deputy Enriquez, her family and our entire office during this difficult time. Knowing Cowlitz County stands behind those who serve is a testament to the character of the community we all vow to advocate for and we are truly thankful.

The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office mission is to serve and protect the interests of our community by conducting thorough investigations with an open and objective approach to each death investigation which we are responsible, while providing answers and peace of mind to those affected by the death of a loved one.

Deputy Enriquez is currently stable and in the early stages of recovering from her injuries and has a wonderful support system surrounding her. Our office asks that the community and surrounding areas continue to keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this recovery process.

Our profound gratitude

DECEMBER 2025

Unidentified Persons Case # 22-271

  • Columbia River Jane Doe, Found: 3/28/2022, Identified 12/13/2025, per DNA. Family has been identified but name is not being released due to circumstances.

AUGUST 2025

Unidentified Persons Case # 21-320

  • Merrill Lake John Doe, Found: 4/26/2021, Missing since approximately 1994 has been Identified per DNA, as Anthony Matthew Croy (DOB: 12/04/1973) of Oregon.

JUNE 27, 2025

IN REMEMBERANCE OF DR. CLIFFORD NELSON

  • It is with a heavy heart that our office is informing the community of the loss of our beloved Dr. Clifford Nelson, Forensic Pathologist. Doctor Nelson has been performing autopsies for Cowlitz County for many, many, years. He has been a constant fixture within our office and will be missed, so very much. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you Doc for all you have done for us, all the hours you have put in, and all the care you have provided our office and community. You are loved!

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MARCH 2025

  • On March 27, 2025, the Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a Longview call at approximately 1526 hours. This office has positively identified the decedent as 35 year old, Eric Zander, of Longview. Case# 25-0296

2025 MVA's

  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a two car accident off of Huntington Avenue South, Castle Rock, WA on Thursday afternoon, March 13, at approximately 1317 hours. This office has positively identified the driver as 71 year old, David Curcione, of Castle Rock, WA. Case#25-0238
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a single car accident off of I-5 North, Monday evening, February 17th around 2340 hours. This office has positively identified the driver as 18 year old, Breauna Vaughn, of Oregon. Case#25-0150

2025 Fire Related


  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a call regarding a structure fire, Thursday March 6 at approximately 1231 hours. This office has positively identified the decedent as 63 year old, Adrian Bailey-Trumbo, of Kelso, WA. Case#25-0209
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a call, Thursday afternoon around 1225 hours, March 13, 2025. This office has positively identified the decedent as 84 year old, Theodore Henke, of Castle Rock, WA. Case#25-0237

Missing Male From 2021 Located Last Week

Sunday December 15, 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office, as of 12/11, has forensically identified through dental comparisons, the individual recovered from the waters off Dike Road in Woodland on 12/07/2024, as Terry L. Shinaver, age 32 of Oregon. Terry had been missing since April 30, 2021. Law Enforcement had been called out to recover a vehicle that had gone off the road and into the water off Dike Road in Woodland. When the tow truck recovered the vehicle, they realized that the one they retrieved was not the one that they were there to recover, and this vehicle had someone in it. The vehicle recovered was discovered to belong to Terry Shinaver. The coroner’s office has determined the cause of death to be drowning with the manner being accident. No other information to be released.

Multiple Recent Motor Vehicle Accidents

  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a single car accident off of Ostrander Road and Pacific Avenue, Sunday afternoon around 1200 hours, October 6, 2024. This office has positively identified the driver as 26 year old, Tyler Colwell, of Kelso. Case# 24-0875
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a motor vehicle verses pedestrian accident off Nichols Blvd, around 8 pm, Sunday evening, September 29, 2024. This office has positively identified the decedent as 57-year-old, Delia Menera, of Longview. Case# 24-0849
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a single vehicle accident off of Nevada Drive, around 3:30 am, Sunday, September 29, 2024. This office has positively identified the female driver as 19-year-old, Sophia Meeuws, of Longview. Case# 24-0847
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a two vehicle accident off of St. Route 4, Friday evening around 6 pm, September 27, 2024. This office has positively identified the driver as 48-year-old, Vincent Vey, of Cathlamet. Case# 24-0842
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a motor vehicle verses pedestrian accident off Tennant Way, around midnight, Saturday morning, August 3, 2024. This office has positively identified the decedent as 39-year-old, Tonja Curtis, of Longview. Case# 24-0692
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a vehicle verses motorcycle accident off South Pacific & Hawthorne Street, Kelso, around 4:30 pm, Friday evening, August 2, 2024. This office has positively identified the decedent as 39-year-old, John Knight, of Longview. Case# 24-0690

Identity of Male found in Columbia River

September 17, 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to a call with the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office on Friday September 13, 2024, after a fisherman reported that they had discovered a body floating in the Columbia River near County Line Park.
  • After some investigation this office was able to positively identify the individual, through multiple descriptive tattoos, as AJ Kent N. Merana, age 29, from the Philippines, who had been reported missing from his ship, after swimming and did not reemerge from the water, the week prior. Cause of death has been determined to be drowning with the manner being accident.
  • No other information to be released.

I HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED!!!

On August 20, 2025 DNA confirmed the identification to be that of Anthony Matthew Croy who went missing from Oregon in September of 1995.


Help Identify Me - (!!!!IDENTIFIED!!!)

July 1, 2024 Forensic Artist Sketch Released on Male Remains Found in 2021

  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office is asking for your help in identifying the unidentified skeletal remains of what has been determined to be a younger adult male that was discovered in a wooded area outside of Cougar, WA, back in 2021.  
  • Description is as follows: Sex: Male, Race: European (White) descent, Age: Unknown exact age, but younger adult. Coroner Case# 21-320, County Sheriff’s Office Case# A21-951, NAMUS #UP84823, DNA submitted, Forensic artist sketch performed 6/30/24. Please see attached artist sketch of what the male may look like.
  • Please note that these are sketches that have been compiled from what the artist had to work with and may not look exactly like the person but should be a helpful example. All coloring decisions are just artistic guesses, along with hair length and color, and lips shape and size. If you know who this person might be, please contact the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office at 360-577-3079. We would like to reunite him with his family.
21-320 sketch
June 25, 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to a call where,  shots were fired and there were two fatalities, on Wednesday June 19, 2024, at the Streeters Resort in Silverlake WA. Although the coroner’s investigation may be concluded, this does not mean that the investigation for Law Enforcement is completed. Families have been notified; please respect their time to grieve.
  •  An autopsy was performed on Thursday June 20, 2024, on the victim, positively identified as, Timothy A. Russel, age 56, owner of Streeters Resort, Cause of death has been determined to be due to, “Gunshot Wounds,” Manner being Homicide.
  • The second decedent was positively identified as, Ronald L. Brant, age 86 of Silverlake WA, Cause of death has been determined to be, “Intraoral Gunshot Wound of Head,” Manner being Suicide.

Unidentified Remains HAS BEEN CONFIRMED By DNA As Of 8/20/2024

May 3, 2024
  • Friday afternoon the Coroner's Office was notified of human remains that were discovered in a grassy field off of Old Pacific Hwy South, Kelso. The remains will be sent to King County ME office for an anthropological workup.  Updates will be provided as they come in. 

  • AS OF 8/20/2024 The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the remains of a male that was found off Old Pacific Highway South, on May 3, 2024. Miguel A. Lara-Camacho, 21, of Pennsylvania has been identified through DNA. No other information is available at this time.

ID UPDATE

May 2, 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has made a positive identification on the female found in the Columbia River, just off the shores of Kalama WA, Saturday April 28, 2024. Olivia Walsh, 22, of Portland Oregon has been identified through dental records and tattoos. Cause of death has been determined to be blunt force trauma and manner of death is suicide. Thank you to our local and outside Law Enforcement for their assistance in helping us bring Olivia home to her family.

WHO AM I?

April 30, 2024 Case# 22-286

  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office is asking for your help in identifying an unidentified female from 2022. Coroner Case# 22-286 This female was walking along the railroad tracks in Woodland, WA on April 2, 2022, near the Ghost bridge when she was struck by a train. Description of the female is as follows: Race: Possible Hispanic/Latino Height: 5’ 8” Weight: 153 lbs Eye Color: Brown Hair: Long black/brown colored Clothing: Black tank top/sports bra, grey colored sweatshirt, grey jogging sweatpants, black baseball cap, black RBX tennis shoes NAMUS #UP95707, Fingerprints submitted (no match) DNA submitted (pending), Forensic artist sketch performed 4/30/24 Please see attached artist sketch of what the female may look like. Please note that these are sketches and may not look exactly like the person but should be a helpful example. If you know who this person might be, please contact the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office at 360-577-3079. We would like to reunite her with her family.

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New Updated Sketches for Case# 22-286
forensic sketch by Steve Missal (1)
forensic sketch by Steve Missal (2)

April 30, 2024

  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the individual involved in the motorcycle accident on Lewis River Road, 503, on 4/28/2024, as Robert L. Jones, age 54 of Vancouver. The cause of death was ruled “Blunt force traumatic injuries” with the manner being accident. Family has been notified. No other information will be released.

April 29, 2024 Case# 24-0401

  • On Sunday April 28, 2024 a call came in regarding a possible decedent in the Columbia River, just off the shores of Kalama WA. During this time, the Cowlitz County Dive team was completing a training exercise nearby, so they were able to quickly assist the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in the water recovery. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office (CCCO) responded and secured the decedent. Currently, the cause and manner are pending autopsy. We are asking for the public’s assistance with the identification. If you know who this person might be, please contact the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office at 360-577-3079 or the CCSO at 360-577-3092. Unidentified Remains Information: Sex: Female Ethnicity: Possibly Caucasian or Hispanic Age range: Approximately 20-50 Weight: 154 Height: Approximately 5’ 9” Hair color: long dark curly hair Two tattoos: 1 lucky cat tattoo on left lateral torso 1 sun beam tattoo on the upper right collarbone Clothing: Levi brand blue jeans, size: 29x30 Black “Shein” brand, long-sleeve shirt, size: Med White “Nike Air Max” brand tennis shoe, size: 8.5 Forensic Artist Sketch to come.
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April 17, 2024

  • Due to the recent increase of drug deaths within the last week, the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office would like to issue a WARNING to all those out there that may know someone partaking in or could be in contact with any street drugs or substances that are not prescribed by a medical doctor. We all know that drug use comes with great risk, but we really want to STRESS the DANGERS of the street drugs today. When you obtain these drugs, you need to know the high probability that they are laced with Fentanyl and likely to be fatal. Even a small amount of Fentanyl can be deadly. Reach out to someone Today! Be smart! You Matter! Get help! Your family loves you!

March 2, 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office responded to a motor vehicle accident on Industrial Way in Longview, on Saturday, May 2, 2024. The accident involved a semitruck versus passenger vehicle.  The decedent, an 81 year old male driver of the passenger vehicle, was positively identified as Rodney G. Stryhn of Longview, and his dog, Bear.
February 29, 2024 Office Accreditation
  • The International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME) announced today that the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has received accreditation by the association. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office self-submitted to this process for the purpose of ensuring the operating policies, procedures, and practices are within international guidelines. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office was subjected to review of 288 standards including administrative, forensic, investigative, and facility review. The IACME requires 100% compliance of mandatory standards and 90% of all applicable standards. The IACME extends its compliments to Cowlitz County for submitting to this level of review. “When an agency elects to subject themselves to this process, it clearly indicates their desire to stand to peer review and demonstrate to the public and stakeholders a strong desire to provide excellence in service provision.” The completion of this process, which is for five years, indicates professionalism and compassion by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. The IACME congratulates the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office and Coroner, Dana Tucker, for their diligence in complying with these standards, leading the way in service and compassion for those they serve and their community.
February 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the skeletal remains that were recovered on the banks of the Columbia River in Kalama, on July 23, 2022. A jawbone had been discovered just off Tidewater Drive in Kalama, along the river. It was submitted for DNA and recently returned, matching a decedent that had gone missing on January 12, 2022, from Portland, OR. The remains of Barry M. Rezansoff, DOB: 03/13/1967, were recovered from a beach on the Columbia River, in Clatskanie, OR, on June 25th, 2022. Positive identification was confirmed by DNA and dental records. Both confirming a match for Mr. Barry Rezansoff of Oregon. No further information will be released.
January 2024
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to a death investigation on Monday, January 1, 2024, in Longview. An autopsy was performed Tuesday January 2nd, with the results as follows. Katelynn R. Smith, age 29 of Longview. Cause of death has been determined to be, “Multiple gunshot wounds” Manner being Homicide.
November 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has completed the autopsy on a 50-year-old male, Sergey Vladimirovich Fedoruk, who was found unconscious and not breathing in his cell at the Cowlitz County Jail on the morning of November 1, 2023. An autopsy was performed on Wednesday November 1st and the cause and manner have been determined to be that of a probable seizure due to complications of schizophrenia. The manner is natural. No other information will be released.
September 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to a death investigation on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, in Kelso. An autopsy was performed today, Thursday September 7th, with the results as follows. Anthony A. Jennings, age 37 of Kelso Cause of death has been determined to be, “Multiple gunshot wounds of chest and abdomen,” Manner being Homicide. Although the coroner’s investigation may be concluded, this does not mean that the investigation for Law Enforcement is completed. No other information will be released
July 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the human remains that were recovered from the Cowlitz River in Longview, WA, on July 11, 2022. Specimens were submitted for DNA and recently returned, with a match for Bryan M. Heinrich Sr. (DOB: 3/01/1967).  ID was confirmed by DNA and Tattoos. No further information will be released.
June 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the individual recovered from the Columbia River on 06/15/23 as Nora Shadle, age 73 from Longview. The cause of death is blunt force trauma to the neck, manner of death is suicide.
May 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has identified the 3 decedents located at the call where local Law Enforcement had responded to earlier in the day. Information gathered from the scene investigation, on May 19, 2023, revealed the decedent’s as: Mark A. Beam (DOB: 5/16/1948), Candice J. Beam (DOB:11/30/1948), and Isaac A. Beam (DOB:07/20/1993), all of Kelso, Washington. Cause and manner of death are pending autopsy, and the circumstances of the death are still under investigation by both the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office and the Kelso Police Department. Please refer any question pertaining to the cause, manner, and mechanism of death to the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office, 360-577-3079, and any other information regarding the investigation to the Kelso Police Department Investigations Unit, 360-423-1270.
  • UPDATE: The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has completed the autopsies on the 3 persons involved in the Kelso call on Friday May 19, 2023. Although the coroner’s investigation may be concluded, this does not mean that the investigation for Law Enforcement is completed. Family has been notified; please respect their time to grieve. Results of the autopsies performed on Monday May 22, and Tuesday May 23, 2023, are as follows: Mark A. Beam, age 75 of Kelso, Cause of death has been determined to be due to, “Multiple Gunshot Wounds,” Manner being Homicide. Candice J. Beam, age 74 of Kelso, Cause of death has been determined to be due to, “Multiple Gunshot Wounds,” Manner being Homicide. Isaac A. Beam, age 29 of Kelso, Cause of death has been determined to be due to, “Gunshot Wound of Head,” Manner being Suicide.
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the individual recovered from the Toutle River on 05/02/23 as Ronald C. White, age 57 from Longview. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.
  • UPDATE: The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office has completed the investigation of Ronald White. Cause of death is determined to be cardiovascular disease, due to coronary artery disease, due to essential hypertension, with the manner as natural.
February 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the skeletal remains that were recovered on the banks of the Columbia River in Longview, WA just west of the Lewis and Clark bridge, on February 20, 2020. These were submitted for DNA and recently returned, matching a decedent that had been missing since February of 2017. Positive identification was confirmed by DNA and dental records. Both confirming a match for Jade D. Feigert (DOB: 12/14/1994), of Clatskanie, OR. No further information will be released.
February 24, 2023
  • The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the individual recovered from the Toutle River on 02/24/23 as Max A. Schuetze, age 36 from Tenino. The cause and manner of death are pending autopsy.
  • Update:  The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office has completed the examination on Max Schuetze. The cause of death is determined to be fresh water drowning and the manner of death is undetermined. No further information will be released.