PORT ANGELES — A forensic pathologist in Seattle who performed an external autopsy on Robert “Bob” Goss, a 78-year-old man who was found dead March 5 after he had been missing for six days, determined that he had likely died of hypothermia.
Because there were no signs of trauma, a full autopsy was not done, Clallam County Sheriff’s Chief Criminal Deputy Ron Cameron said.
A blood test for poison, drugs or alcohol was also done, but the results of the toxins screen will not be ready for up to two months, Cameron said.
“There is absolutely no reason to believe that would be the case, but that is just standard procedure in a case like this,” he said.
If the results of the blood test are not unusual, the case will be officially closed, he said.
There is no indication of foul play, he said.
Goss’ body was found just outside his car at the far south end of River Road about three miles south of Sequim. The vehicle was not stuck, but it could not be started, Cameron said.
Investigators said Goss appeared to have died soon after he went missing the morning of Feb. 28.
Goss, who had dementia, is believed to have gotten lost. It was the first time he had driven in a year, said his sister and caretaker, Mary Ann Hudson.
She believes he may have driven her vehicle, a Grand Cherokee Laredo, from their Agnew home to go out to buy Coca-Cola, his favorite drink, or to have just one more drive.
Leaving the house was out of character for Goss, Hudson said.
Hudson said earlier this week she didn’t “particularly want an autopsy” since there was no sign of foul play.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
