Deceased Person Found In Lake River Near Ridgefield Marina
-07/04/25
On July 4th, 2025 at approximately 2:44pm, a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing what appeared to be a person floating face-down in Lake River, just north of the Ridgefield Marina. Ridgefield Police responded along with Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue and confirmed a single adult male was face-down in the water with no apparent signs of life.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and the body was recovered from the water by Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue. No signs of foul play or trauma were observed at the scene. Firefighter-Paramedics pronounced the male deceased at that time.
An apparently abandoned sailboat was located anchored in Lake River a few hundred yards north of the body. Items were located on the vessel which investigators believe are associated with the deceased subject.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit was dispatched to address the vessel.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit are conducting a death investigation.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and official identification of the decedent will be made by the Clark County Medical Examiner.
Family Offers $5,000 Reward For Information Regarding Missing Person (Photo)
-07/02/25
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in the ongoing search for Robert "Bob" Sarkkinen, a 64-year-old man who went missing more than seven years ago.
Bob was last seen on May 13, 2018, in the Battle Ground, Washington area. He is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, approximately 160 pounds, with grey hair and brown eyes. His family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads directly to Bob’s whereabouts.
Detectives do not suspect foul play in Bob’s disappearance. He was known to wander or leave home for extended periods, a habit that has made locating him more difficult. Still, the Sheriff’s Office and Sarkkinen’s loved ones are committed to finding answers.
The case remains open and active under Case Number 18004480. Investigators urge anyone who may have seen Bob or may know anything about his movements in or after May 2018 to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit Tip Line at (564) 397-2036.
Media Availability
The Sarkkinen family has expressed a willingness to speak with the media. Reporters or outlets interested in arranging an interview should contact the Public Information Officer (PIO) to coordinate.
