We had many questions coming in over the last 2 days in regards to police activity on Sunday at the Bowerman Airport in Hoquiam.  The original call heard being that of a person down.  Tuesday evening Police Chief Myers sent out a press release regarding this investigation.  Here is what we have: 

On Sunday, April 8, 2018 at 1654 hours, Hoquiam officers were advised of a person found deceased on the boardwalk at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge located at the end of Bowerman Airport.

The refuge trail is a raised wooden boardwalk which travels along the side of the  runway out to a large loop adjacent to the tidal mudflat to the west of the airport. The only entrance to the trail starts at the end of the hanger area at Bowerman Airport. The trail is only accessible on foot.

Two women walking the refuge trail located the body of a woman lying on the boardwalk about one third of a mile in from the parking lot. The victim was clearly deceased and appeared to have been outside in the preceding heavy wind and rain.

The witnesses notified the Hoquiam Fire Department who responded and confirmed the female was deceased.

Given the location of the body and circumstances present, the Hoquiam Police Department launched a death investigation to include mapping the location with a  FARO laser scanner. The Grays Harbor Crime Scene Mapping Team with members from the Sheriff’s Office, Aberdeen PD and Hoquiam PD spent several hours at the scene until well after dark.

Hoquiam investigators then processed the scene for evidence as the victim was removed under the direction of the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office. The victim’s purse was present which provided investigators with her identification.

The victim’s next-of-kin was notified and is assisting in the investigation.

An autopsy was conducted earlier today; although the results are pending toxicology tests, the preliminary indication suggests the victim may have succumbed to exposure. Officers noted the weather over the weekend had been extremely wet with heavy rain and high winds, which was even more pronounced along the shore inside the wildlife refuge.

Detectives continue to investigate the death and are coordinating with the Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Don Grossi at 360-532-0892 x 295 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..