National

Paddleboarder found human remains in WA river. Now police need help identifying them

On Aug. 11 at around 5 p.m., a paddle boarder reported finding what appeared to be human remains in the Spokane River, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s news release.
On Aug. 11 at around 5 p.m., a paddle boarder reported finding what appeared to be human remains in the Spokane River, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s news release. Getty Images/iStockphoto

.

A paddleboarder on the Spokane River came across what turned out to be human remains, reports the Spokane County Sheriff. The remains are still unidentified.

The paddleboarder was out around 5 p.m. on Aug. 11, in a section of the river in northwest Spokane, Washington, when the discovery was made, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

Due to the weather conditions, remote access and nightfall approaching, officers were unable to retrieve the remains and continue the investigation until the following morning, authorities said.

Officials believe the remains had been submerged for several months, making typical attempts to confirm the identity difficult, according to the news release.

Now the Sheriff’s department is asking the public to help.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Department has released photos of the person’s tattoos and wristbands.

A tattoo was found on the upper-left arm/shoulder depicting what officials believe to be a woman’s face and what appears to be a sombrero-style hat below and to the right.
A tattoo was found on the upper-left arm/shoulder depicting what officials believe to be a woman’s face and what appears to be a sombrero-style hat below and to the right.
A tattoo the upper-left arm/shoulder depicting what officials believe to be a woman’s face and what appears to be a sombrero-style hat from a different angle.
A tattoo the upper-left arm/shoulder depicting what officials believe to be a woman’s face and what appears to be a sombrero-style hat from a different angle.
Tattoo on inner-right arm/shoulder with writing.
Tattoo on inner-right arm/shoulder with writing.
A wrist band found that says “Honey Kissing”.
A wrist band found that says “Honey Kissing”.
Two other wrist bands saying “SOLDIER OF SOBRIETY” (above) and “COOL CATS” (below).
Two other wrist bands saying “SOLDIER OF SOBRIETY” (above) and “COOL CATS” (below).

Anyone that recognizes these tattoos or wristbands and could provide information that would help identify this person is asked to call Detective N. Bohanek at 509-477-3223, reference #10104844.

Spokane is about 300 miles east of Seattle.

Read Next
Read Next
Read Next

This story was originally published September 9, 2022 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Paddleboarder found human remains in WA river. Now police need help identifying them."

PC
Paloma Chavez
McClatchy DC
Paloma Chavez is a reporter covering real-time news on the West Coast. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Southern California.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER