Body found near busy Highway 240 in Richland was likely there for many weeks

The body found in the wooded median of a busy Tri-Cities highway likely had been there for numerous weeks before being discovered on Wednesday.

The person, believed to be a man, was spotted near the eastbound lanes of Highway 240 at the Interstate 182 exit, about 9 a.m., said a Washington State Patrol news release.

Officials hope an autopsy planned for Thursday afternoon will help determine how the person died, Coroner Bill Leach told the Tri-City Herald.

There were no immediate signs he was involved in a collision, and investigators are trying to rule out any suspicious circumstances, said WSP Lt. Dustin Drout.

Based on the condition of the body, it appears that the person had been dead for weeks, Leach said.

Investigators have not confirm the person’s gender, but it’s believed that it’s a man because of the hairstyle. Also, some identification was found on the body.

The autopsy could help with confirming the person’s identity, Leach said.

The body was discovered by a driver who stopped along the side of the road to tighten their load, said the WSP.

This story was originally published November 21, 2024 at 11:29 AM.