2 men found dead at Thurston County rest areas
Dec 29, 2025, 3:29 PM
Police lights. (Getty Image file photo)
(Getty Image file photo)
Two men were found dead at separate I-5 rest areas in Thurston County on Saturday, KIRO 7 reported.
The men were identified as 63-year-old Luis Gutierrez-Ramirez from Centralia and 54-year-old Damon Claiborne, who was a U.S. military veteran, according to KIRO 7. The Olympian reported that Claiborne is believed to be from the Salem, Oregon area.
Claiborne was found inside a vehicle that had been parked at the Maytown rest area for about a week before it was reported, WSP Trooper Kameron Watts told KIRO 7.
Troopers were then sent to the Scatter Creek rest area, where they found Gutierrez-Ramirez. According to KIRO 7, he was discovered by a coworker, who contacted their employer. The employer told them to call 911.
Authorities believe both deaths were caused by medical issues.
The Olympian noted the coroner’s office does not think the deaths were a result of foul play.
Contributing: KIRO 7
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