Monday, 29 August 2022
Missing Person
On 8/26/22 at approximately 1:28 pm, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person in the Washougal, Washington area. The information received was Blake N. Strong, 30, of Portland, Oregon had gone missing from a family residence along the Washougal River in the early morning hours. His orange floating device was found along the river during the daylight hours. Deputy’s responded and deployed an UAV; however, he was not located.
The initial investigation revealed Strong had sustained an injury the prior day while recreating in the area and had secreted his pack (containing camping equipment) along the riverbank. There was some indication he wanted to retrieve the pack after being released from the hospital. He is under the care of a physician and requires daily medication.
A witness came forward and reported seeing Strong walking west, in the Washougal River, wearing a green pack on the day he was reported missing. He may have also been seen walking down the Washougal River Road in Clark County.
On 8/28/22 Skamania County Search & Rescue teams along with Skamania County Diver Rescue checked the areas along the bank and deeper swimming areas with negative results.
Blake Strong is described at 5’10, 170 lbs., blue eyes, strawberry blonde hair with a beard. He was last seen wearing large green backpack, light colored khaki shorts, black hat and hiking boots. He may also have a blue “puffy” style jacket or a bright blue zip up hoodie.
Anyone with information as to Blake’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Skamania Count Sheriff’s Office at 509-427-9490 or your local authorities.