CHELAN COUNTY, WA — The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a missing Entiat man, 24-year-old Justin Lasater, was found deceased after deputies located his vehicle submerged in the Columbia River earlier this week.
According to the sheriff’s office, Lasater was reported missing on Dec. 3 after he did not show up for work. Friends told deputies he was last seen in Wenatchee on Dec. 2. A tracking app indicated his final known location was on Highway 97A near Rocky Reach Dam, prompting deputies to search the Swakane Canyon and 97A corridor.
Additional information later revealed Lasater had been seen crossing the bridge into Entiat. Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue and deputies conducted extensive searches along the Entiat River drainage, but weather conditions delayed air support until Dec. 8.
Once airborne, the Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit located a white SUV submerged in the Columbia River near milepost 211 on Highway 97A. Rescue swimmers confirmed the vehicle belonged to Lasater and that an occupant was inside. Washington State Patrol assumed the investigation, as the crash occurred on the state highway. Lasater was positively identified after recovery. The collision remains under investigation.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with funeral and family expenses. As of this week, more than $9,000 has been raised.
GoFundMe: In Loving Memory of Justin
