A forensic odontologist made the comparison, and the subject was positively identified as Pierre Pearson
The Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of a man whose body was recovered from the Columbia River near Woodland two years ago.
On June 2, 2022, two fishermen on the Columbia River located a deceased subject near Martin’s Bar in Woodland. The body was recovered by deputies and detectives from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. The body appeared to be that of an adult male, and there was no identification located. An examination of the body by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office showed no signs of trauma. Due to the level of decomposition, facial identification and fingerprints were not available.
In December of 2022, detectives began working with Othram, a private DNA lab that specializes in advanced forensic DNA testing. Using Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® and genetic genealogy, they were able to identify potential family members for the unidentified subject. Detectives were able to work with the Othram genealogist and family members to construct a family tree and identify a possible match.
After contacting the subject’s stepmother and father, dental records were obtained for the subject by the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office. A forensic odontologist made the comparison, and the subject was positively identified as Pierre Pearson.
Pearson was originally from Georgia and had been identified as being transient in Portland prior to his death. He last contacted family in April of 2021. Pearson was 34 years old when his body was found. There is no indication that Pearson died as a result of a crime and the investigation will be closed.
The Coroner’s Office will work with the family to turn over Pearson’s remains.
Information provided by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- Trophy games: Columbia River boys finish fifth, Evergreen girls take sixth at state tournaments
Columbia River’s boys and Evergreen’s girls both reached the final day of their state basketball tournaments, returning to Vancouver with fifth- and sixth-place trophies. - Opinion: Gov. Ferguson has abandoned his own tax relief demands
Ryan Frost of the Washington Policy Center argues that Gov. Bob Ferguson’s support for the state’s proposed income tax contradicts his earlier demands for broader taxpayer relief. - Debate grows as states consider teacher strike bans
Lawmakers in several states are considering new laws affecting teacher strikes as debates grow over labor rights and disruptions to public education. - WA GOP lawmakers press schools chief on gender identity disclosure policies
Washington House Republicans are asking Superintendent Chris Reykdal to explain state guidance on gender identity disclosure following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. - High school state basketball: Columbia River suffers heartache in overtime loss in semifinals
Columbia River’s run to the Class 2A semifinals ended on a buzzer-beater in overtime, while Evergreen advanced to a trophy game and several other Clark County teams wrapped up their state tournament seasons. - Passage of income tax bill more likely as Gov. Ferguson now says he will sign it
Gov. Bob Ferguson says he will sign a revised income tax proposal targeting earnings above $1 million if the Legislature approves the measure. - Opinion: Many important decisions looming as the 2026 session nears the end
Rep. John Ley outlines budget concerns, energy policy debates and several tax proposals as the 2026 legislative session approaches its final days.
