MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Days later, state worker found in Hood Canal

May 23, 2016, 8:58 AM | Updated: 12:15 pm

WSDOT, Hood canal...

WSDOT believes one of its employees drove his personal vehicle off the Hood Canal Bridge. (Washington State Patrol)

(Washington State Patrol)

A state employee who disappeared a week ago was found nearly 350 feet under water in the Hood Canal.

The Washington State Department of Transportation says it found the man and his vehicle in Hood Canal, KIRO 7 reports. He was found around 2 a.m.

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Search crews used sonar to find the vehicle. The vehicle was found about 150 feet north of the bridge and now crews can move forward with a plan to recover the man.

A salvage company will guide the recovery effort. The actual recovery will depend on equipment needs and marine conditions.

Search crews suspect the employee drove off the Hood Canal Bridge May 16. After a day of searching, a Navy underwater vessel was called in to search the floor of the canal.

The man has not been identified. His wife issued a statement last week:

I’d like to thank everyone at DOT for their support and concern during this terrible time. My husband loved his job, loved working with the Hood Canal Bridge crew, and loved his family. My family and I would also like to thank the first-responders and others for all the work they’re doing to find him.

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Days later, state worker found in Hood Canal