The Grays Harbor Sheriffs Department has provided us an update to an incident that started on Friday with some clarification on a recovery, search and rescue incident with the identity of the victim.

On Friday 10-25-24 at approximately 1922 hours deputies were advised of a hiking accident that occurred off of Kelly Rd in the Matlock area of Grays Harbor County. It was reported that a hunter had fallen through an old train trestle at the location, coming to rest on the riverbank an estimated 100-150 feet below. The victim was unresponsive. Mason County Fire was initially called to the scene and requested assistance from the Sheriff's Office in an attempt to access the victim below.

Deputies responded to the area to assist. Because of the steep terrain, deputies and fire personnel were unable to safely get to the victim.

An officer with the Aberdeen Police Department responded to the scene and was able to fly a drone to the victim's location. Unfortunately, the victim was confirmed deceased, and it was believed that they died upon initial compact with the ground below.

Because of weather conditions and the steep terrain surrounding the victim, deputies and fire personnel were unable to safely access the victim that night. Mason County Sheriff's Office Special Operations Rescue Team (SORT) was called to assist in the recovery efforts. Unfortunately, by the time rescuers were able to traverse the steep terrain, the rising river had carried the victim downstream.

Thurston County Sheriff's SORT, that is specifically training in swift water rescue, is working with Mason County SORT to locate and recover the victim.

The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Haley Benjamin of Elma. Our condolences go out to her family and friends.

The Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office appreciates all the multi-jurisdictional support we have received during this tragic event. Operations are ongoing.