LAPUSH — A body found in a river near LaPush has been identified as Jason “Jake” Simons, 30, missing from his Forks home since April 5.
He was identified after an autopsy was completed Tuesday in Port Angeles by Dr. Daniel Selove of Everett, a forensic pathologist, according to Mark Nichols, Clallam County chief deputy prosecuting attorney.
No cause of death has been established, Nichols said Wednesday.
Simons’ severely decomposed remains were found by a fisherman last Saturday in shallow waters of the
Bogachiel River near the Leyendecker Park boat ramp, about 6 miles east of LaPush.
Sheriff’s deputies speculated that the body probably had washed down from another location. The park is near the confluence of the Bogachiel, Sol Duc and Quillayute rivers. There was no identification on the body, but there were items found in pockets including a cellphone.
His family had reported Simons missing. Forks police said that they did not know of a medical or mental health history that might explain the disappearance, and Simons’ car was at a family residence.
A search of Simons’ cellphone records did not show any activity after his disappearance, according to police.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
