Death Investigation Update - Grant Hadler -03/03/23

On Sunday, February 19, 2023 around 2:30AM, Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue responded to the 1500 block of Ross Avenue, Kelso to triage what was originally reported to be a “fall patient.”  When Cowlitz 2 personnel arrived, they were directed to a 56 year-old patient, Grant Hadler, lying unconscious in the roadway. 

Hadler was initially transported to St. John Medical Center then transferred to Southwest Washington Medical Center in Vancouver. Due to the nature and extent of Hadler's injuries, an investigation into the cause of the injuries was initiated by Kelso Police.

On Sunday, February 26, 2023, Grant Hadler died.  On Thursday, March 2, 2023 an autopsy was performed by the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office.  The Clark County Medical Examiner ruled the manner of Hadler's death was Homicide caused by Assault.  

On Friday, March 3, 2023 Kelso Police Detectives arrested a 42 year-old Kelso resident, Ruperto Aguayo, for 1st Degree Manslaughter.  Aguayo was booked in the the Cowlitz County Jail.

This continues to be an active investigation and in the interest of preserving its integrity no further details will be released.  

Anyone who believes they may have information related to this event is asked to contact Kelso Police Detectives Craig Christianson or Erik Swenningson at 360-423-1270.