UPDATE: December 23, 2025 at 10:30 p.m.
Annie Pillers with the Whitman County Coroner’s Office announced on Tuesday that the investigation to determine the cause and manner of death of the individual discovered along South Palouse River Road remains ongoing. The Coroner’s Office is also continuing efforts to identify the individual.
Pillers noted that no timeframe for completion of the investigation has been established due to the “advanced state of decomposition.”
COLFAX, Wash. — The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office responded early Monday to a report of possible human remains found along South Palouse River Road outside Colfax.
The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, Colfax Police Department and the Whitman County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
Due to the advanced state of decomposition, deputies said they were unable to determine the identity or sex of the deceased at the scene. The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab is assisting with evidence collection.
The remains have been turned over to the Whitman County Coroner, who will work to identify the individual and determine the cause and manner of death.
Article originally published December 22, 2025 at 12:43 p.m.
