Deceased Nippon victims return to Cowlitz County Saturday

People wishing to pay respects to victims of last week's fatal chemical spill at Nippon can do so as bodies are returned to the county on Saturday.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help

Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to The Daily News.

Cowlitz County Coroner Dana Tucker invites people to stand along roads and Interstate 5 overpasses as she transports deceased workers from Seattle to Longview.

She plans to hit Lewis County by around 4 p.m., then Cowlitz County by about 4:30 p.m.

Washington State Patrol will escort the coroner as she crosses into Lewis County at Exit 88 in Rochester.

Tucker will be driving a Cowlitz County Coroner's Office Chevy 3500 truck, pulling an unmarked white trailer.

She plans to take exit 42 for the Lexington Bridge at about 4:45 p.m. and continue south along West Side Highway.

People paying their respects are encouraged to stand along the roads or at the highway overpasses.

Viewing spots include the:

* Old Pacific Highway overpass between Castle Rock and Vader

* Huntington Avenue North overpass in Castle Rock

* Lexington Bridge

People are asked not to stand outside the Cowlitz County Coroner's Office out of respect for the victims.

Nine bodies are being transferred, though 11 died from the May 26 tank failure at Nippon. One victim was outside of Tucker's jurisdiction, and the other was already transported out of the area.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the updated route.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 4:31 AM.