Orcas youth dies in apparent tragic accident

Submitted by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office was contacted in regard to a 17-year-old male being out after his curfew on June 30. The young man’s father found his cellphone outside their residence and called the sheriff’s office. He was last seen at around 6:30 p.m. After a search of the areas on island where he was likely to go, we concluded our search at around 11:30 p.m. The young man was found deceased in a wooded area behind his residence. It was determined that he had climbed a tree approximately 50-60 feet and then fell out of the tree likely suffering fatal injuries during the fall. At this time we have no time of death and have ruled out any suspicious circumstances. It is believed to be a tragic accident. An autopsy will be conducted by the medical examiner to rule out any foul play.