PORT TOWNSEND — The body of a 58-year-old homeless man who had once worked as a landscaper has been found in Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park.
Victor Mascho had been dead for about nine days when his body was found Wednesday, said Scott Rosekrans, Jefferson County coroner and prosecuting attorney, on Friday.
Rosekrans said Mascho was discovered after a passer-by saw a limb sticking out in the brush and called authorities.
Since rigor mortis had already set in, there was no way to determine the exact time of death, but a receipt from QFC dated Oct. 22, along with a carryout food container, was found near the body.
Mascho was not carrying identification, but Port Townsend police officers recognized him from previous arrests for minor violations, Rosekrans said.
The listed cause of death was failure to thrive due to malnutrition and alcoholism.
Rosekrans said an autopsy was not conducted because there was no sign of violence.
Mascho’s brother, Paul Mascho of Sequim had not seen his brother since June.
“I knew he was living on the street, but I didn’t have a clue where he was, so I could never find him,” Paul Mascho said.
He said Victor Mascho was born in Tacoma and worked on farms and as a landscaper for 20 years before moving to Jefferson County.
The two brothers lived together for a time until Victor moved out.
Paul Mascho said he didn’t know why his brother ended up homeless but thought it had to do with bad business conditions.
Services are pending and will be open only to friends and family, Paul Mascho said.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.