Tragic Discovery: Missing Plymouth Resident’s Remains Found In Columbia River

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is investigating a body found in the Columbia River.

Fishermen Made the Tragic Discovery in the Columbia River over the Weekend.

Detectives say that over the weekend, fishermen found human remains near Plymouth, Washington. Benton County Sheriff's Deputies and Benton Fire and Dive Rescue all responded to assist in recovering the deceased.

First Responders and Law Enforcement Worked to Recover and Identify the Person

Officials say they identified the departed as Chance Townsend, who had been missing from the Plymouth area since December 2023. The Benton County Coroner's Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office Issues Heartfelt Condolences to the Family and Friends of the Departed

In a social media post, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Townsend's family and friends during this difficult time."

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According to the Coroner's office, the body is of a man who is around 5'7" tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds. He is also described as having a reddish-gray beard and short brown hair, and he has no tattoos or other markings that could identify him.

Columbia River Body Has Still Not Been Identified

The body of a person found in the Columbia River has still not been identified. 

The Franklin County Coroner's office says the body had been in the water for a few days before being found back on September 24, 2022, by two people fishing near the Pasco Boat Basin. More than a year later, the person's identity remains a mystery.

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