The Mason County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following news release on the body of a missing kayaker found on Friday:
On Friday February 17th, a body was found by a kayaker floating offshore of Stretch Island. The body was recovered by the Sheriff’s Office Marine Enforcement Unit.
Autopsy results released by the Mason County Coroner confirmed the body was that of 31 year old Andrew Aldrich. Coroner Wes Stockwell says Aldrich likely died of saltwater drowning; the final piece to conclude the Sheriff’s Office investigation.
Aldrich was reported missing on January 4th after departing a friend’s boat moored in Case Inlet. Aldrich was not wearing a life jacket when he headed toward shore by kayak.
Subsequent searches by the US Coast Guard and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Marine Enforcement Unit were unsuccessful.
“The Mason County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to the Aldrich family,” stated Sheriff Salisbury.