Nurse found dead in his company car in Pasco

Pasco police continue to investigate the death of a traveling nurse found in a company car outside of a rehabilitation center Thursday evening.

Police and ambulances were called to Avalon Health and Rehabilitation Center at 6:35 p.m. after someone reported a man with a medical problem in a car, Sgt. Rigo Pruneda said.

When they showed up, they found the man dead from a head wound. Investigators have not said if he was shot or hit with something but said they are investigating it as a homicide.

He was later identified as Joseph A. Strang, 47, of Spokane.

Investigators worked through the night at the scene on 22nd Avenue. They blocked the road next to Robert Frost Elementary School for several hours, but it opened up before school started Friday.

Franklin County Coroner Dan Blasdel said Strang was a traveling nurse using a Avalon Health and Rehabilitation Center car.

The center provides 24-hour nursing care to people recovering after being in the hospital.

Allison Griffiths, vice president of legal for Utah-based Avalon Health Care Group, said Strang worked for Avalon.

“The police have confirmed that the residents and the staff are all safe and were not in danger,” she said. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Strang became a registered nurse in 1999, and had a listed address in the unincorporated community of Colbert north of Spokane.

Blasdel said an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

This story was originally published August 31, 2018 at 8:45 AM.