PORT TOWNSEND — Authorities have some leads in the investigation of a body found in a tree at Fort Worden State Park, said James Kennedy, prosecuting attorney/coroner.
But his office is also seeking information from the public as it attempts to identify the man whose body was found this week after having been in the tree for months.
Kennedy said a hammock-like structure was spotted high in a tree by a child and her mother in an area of the park near Memory’s Vault on Monday afternoon.
They notified park officials who called the Port Townsend Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Jefferson Search and Rescue and East Jefferson Fire Rescue assisted.
“A sling or hammock, like the ones used as a shelter in rock climbing, was located about 50 feet up in a tree,” Kennedy said.
“To gain access, the top of the tree had to be removed. The man, who appears to be middle aged, was found with a helium tank and tube to his mouth and a suicide hood over his head.
“This is not a suspicious death,” he said. “The man has been up there for a very long time, significantly longer than four months.”
“If community has any information that can help us identify this person, please contact Detective Shane Stevenson at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.”
The department number is 360-385-3831.
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Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladaily news.com.
