The body of a Seattle deputy fire chief was found in the mountains east of Seattle, nearly two weeks after he was first reported missing and a massive search effort ensued.
Seattle Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost, 56, was last heard on November 2 when he said he would be scouting elk for a future hunting trip with his son near the city. Cliffdell Street, more than 70 miles southeast of Seattle.
After Schreckengost was unable to return from scouting, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Department launched a search and rescue operation involving 60 different agencies and organizations with hundreds of participants, searching the Cliffdell area. and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
On Sunday, The sheriff’s department has announced Schreckengost’s body was found in a mountainous area near Cliffdell, about half a mile from where his pickup truck was found. Authorities said there was no initial evidence of suspicious activity or foul play, and the Kittitas County Coroner’s Office will conduct an investigation to confirm the cause of death.
Police Chief Clay Myers said in a statement: “We are sorry to announce the passing of Sheriff Schreckengost to his family and fellow firefighters. assisted the search effort because the family “knew what happened to their loved one and he could be taken home with them.”
In one release statement on Sunday night, the Seattle Fire Department said it was “deeply saddened by this news” and deeply saddened by the loss.
“Deputy Sheriff Schreckengost is a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now, who have been at the scene daily searching with search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies”. “While the results were not what we expected, we know that this will bring closure to Jay’s family, friends and colleagues.”
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