Public Appeal for Identification The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is asking for the public’s help to identify a man whose body was discovered earlier this year near Medina. Although the remains were found on February 14, 2026, his identity remains a mystery, prompting officials to release a forensic sketch and detailed descriptions in hopes of finding his family.
Details of the Discovery The man’s body was found on a support structure of the State Route 520 bridge, which spans Lake Washington. Investigators believe he was between 18 and 30 years old at the time of his death. He is described as being approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighing 161 pounds, with light-colored eyes and long, light brown hair that was styled in loose dreadlocks at the back.
Distinctive Clothing and Marks Authorities highlighted several unique identifiers that may help someone recognize him:
- Tattoos: A small cross on his left hand near the thumb and a small heart just below his left hip.
- Clothing: He was wearing a camouflage “US Army” jacket over a black leather jacket, green pants, and brown work boots.
- Personal Effects: He was carrying a Bible. Notably, the name “Ridenhour” was written on the inside collar label of his jacket and featured on a patch on the chest.
A Mission to Provide Closure The King County Medical Examiner’s Office currently has 60 unidentified individuals in its care. Dr. Benjamin Figura, a state forensic anthropologist, emphasized that the goal of the public appeal is to bring resolution to friends and family who may be experiencing the “ambiguous loss” of a missing loved one.
Anyone with information that could lead to an identification is urged to contact the Medical Examiner’s Office at (206) 731-3232 (ext. 5) and reference Case #26-0422.
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