Suicide Victim Found On Shore Of Lake Crescent

Rangers and an NPS special agent checked out a report of a body found on the shoreline of Lake Crescent on February 22nd. The man’s body was found with a fatal gunshot wound, evidence indicating an apparent suicide. Although the investigation was hampered by lack of identifying documents or an associated vehicle, the body was nonetheless identified within several hours through a collaborative effort by investigators and members of the public in the immediate area. Information found at the scene revealed that the weapon had been purchased recently at a store in Port Angeles, and the agent was able to obtain footage of the man purchasing the weapon. Autopsy information further confirmed his identity. A chilling aspect of the investigation is that the man had carried his shotgun undetected through the grounds of Olympic Park Institute, an educational facility with numerous children, educators and staff on site.