A26-18435 Missing Person - Recovery (Photo)
- 08/26/26
PRESS RELEASE
A26-18435 MISSING PERSON – RECOVERY
AUGUST 26, 2026
On August 20, 2026, 64-year-old Kelso resident Michael Dean White was reported missing to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. White’s truck was located off North Pacific Avenue in Kelso near a fishing area on the Cowlitz River. A fisherman found a cell phone in the area belonging to Mr. White, which was turned in to the Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. White was entered as a missing person, and on August 22, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol searched for Mr. White along the Cowlitz River. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of sonar and searches along the riverbanks, Mr. White was not located.
On August 26, 2026, a 911 caller reported finding a body floating in the Columbia River near the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and deputies responded to the area and recovered the body. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and identified the decedent as Michael Dean White.
Mr. White’s family has been notified of his recovery. An autopsy is scheduled through the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. No additional information regarding the cause or manner of death is available at this time.
Undersheriff Troy Brightbill
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office
A26-18435 Missing Person - Recovery (Photo)
- 08/26/26
PRESS RELEASE
A26-18435 MISSING PERSON – RECOVERY
AUGUST 26, 2026
On August 20, 2026, 64-year-old Kelso resident Michael Dean White was reported missing to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. White’s truck was located off North Pacific Avenue in Kelso near a fishing area on the Cowlitz River. A fisherman found a cell phone in the area belonging to Mr. White, which was turned in to the Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. White was entered as a missing person, and on August 22, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol searched for Mr. White along the Cowlitz River. Despite extensive efforts, including the use of sonar and searches along the riverbanks, Mr. White was not located.
On August 26, 2026, a 911 caller reported finding a body floating in the Columbia River near the Lewis and Clark Bridge. The Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol and deputies responded to the area and recovered the body. The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and identified the decedent as Michael Dean White.
Mr. White’s family has been notified of his recovery. An autopsy is scheduled through the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. No additional information regarding the cause or manner of death is available at this time.
Undersheriff Troy Brightbill
Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office
