Missing Entiat man found deceased after vehicle located in Columbia River

WENATCHEE — A 24-year-old Entiat man who had been missing since early last week was found deceased Monday after Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Air Support located his submerged vehicle in the Columbia River north of Rocky Reach Dam, according to a CCSO press release.

Justin Lasater was reported missing on December 3 after failing to show up for work. Friends last saw him in Wenatchee the evening prior. Deputies began their search along U.S. 97A after a tracking app indicated his last known location was north of Rocky Reach Dam. Initial ground checks of 97A and Swakane Canyon did not locate Lasater or his white Nissan Pathfinder.

On December 4, deputies received new information suggesting Lasater had crossed the bridge northbound into Entiat. Search efforts shifted to the Entiat River drainage, where Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue teams and CCSO personnel searched extensively over the following days. The search remained unsuccessful as weather grounded the Air Support Unit.

Conditions improved on December 8, allowing an Air Support flight. The crew spotted a white SUV underwater just north of milepost 211 on 97A. Chelan Fire Rescue swimmers confirmed the vehicle was Lasater’s and that an occupant was inside the driver’s seat.

Because the vehicle was located off the state highway, Washington State Patrol is handling the collision investigation. After recovery, the driver was officially identified as Lasater. The incident remains under investigation by WSP.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media