Walla Walla, WA – Authorities in Walla Walla County have confirmed the death of a missing kayaker who disappeared Wednesday near Burbank, Washington.
According to the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office, marine and dive teams launched around 4:30 p.m. Thursday to resume search efforts in the Columbia River. At approximately 5:25 p.m., Columbia Basin Dive Rescue located the missing kayaker and recovered his body.
The victim has been identified as Jostin L. Garcia Montes, 20, of Pasco, Washington. The Walla Walla County Coroner’s Office will continue investigating the exact cause of death, though deputies said no foul play is suspected at this time.
Officials expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort of the Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, Detective Bureau, and Marine Unit in bringing closure to the young man’s family. “Our hearts go out to them as they continue to process and grieve this tragedy,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
The case remains under investigation, and updates will be released as more information becomes available.
