COUGAR, WA – The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the recovery of a body from Swift Reservoir, identified as a 72-year-old man who disappeared while hunting late last year.
On June 22, 2025, a 911 caller reported discovering human remains in the reservoir approximately 15 miles east of Cougar. Deputies and the Skamania County Coroner responded by boat to the area, recovered the body, and launched an investigation.
The deceased has been identified as David Brinkmeyer, who went missing on November 13, 2024, while attempting to reach his hunting camp. Authorities say Brinkmeyer tried to cross the Muddy River using an innertube attached to a rope system when it overturned, sweeping him away in swift water.
Despite an extensive search effort last fall that included ground teams, aerial support, and rope crews, Brinkmeyer was not located and the operation was eventually suspended. His body was found approximately 12.5 miles from where he was last seen.
The Sheriff’s Office did not release additional information but confirmed the recovery closed a long-standing missing person case in the region.