UPDATE — The stretch of Waterfront Trail that was closed this morning was reopened by 3:30 p.m. today (Friday). Police are seeking the next-of-kin before identifying a man found dead on Hollywood Beach.
PORT ANGELES — A body was found on Hollywood Beach near the Waterfront Trail this morning (Friday).
Port Angeles police said they suspect that the unidentified man, who appeared to be in 20s, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Police received word of a body in the rip-rap rocks and driftwood logs on the east side of Hollywood Beach at about 11:07 a.m., Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said.
They found a shotgun near the body, Smith said.
Smith said a group of middle school students visiting the Port Angeles area found the body.
Police have closed the stretch of the Waterfront Trail just north of the Red Lion Hotel while they investigate. Smith said officers will likely keep the stretch of trail closed for the next few hours.
“We’re comfortable saying we don’t think there’s any public safety risk,” Smith said.
“We’re processing the scene right now.”
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
