Human remains recovered from Columbia River near Rock Island Dam

MALAGA — Authorities are working to identify human remains recovered from the Columbia River near Rock Island Dam earlier this week, while emphasizing that the investigation remains in its early stages.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office said deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:38 p.m. July 20 after receiving a report of human remains in the river near the dam. Responding deputies confirmed the report before detectives and members of the Chelan County Coroner's Office responded by marine unit to recover the remains.

Recovering evidence or remains from the Columbia River often requires specialized equipment and personnel, particularly in areas around dams where currents, depth and restricted access can complicate operations. The Chelan County Sheriff's Office Marine Unit regularly assists with water rescues, search-and-recovery missions and other incidents on the Columbia River and area lakes, working alongside other emergency responders to safely access locations that cannot be reached from shore.

The remains have been turned over to the Chelan County Coroner's Office, which is responsible for determining the identity of the deceased and, when possible, the cause and manner of death. Officials have not released any information about the age, sex or condition of the remains, and have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.

Investigators did, however, rule out one possibility that had drawn public attention, confirming the remains are not those of 18-year-old Erik Luna of Bridgeport, who has been missing for several months.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media