FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office announces the conclusion of a months-long search and investigation involving missing Oregon resident Benjamin Curtis Andersen, whose remains were located in a remote area near U.S. Forest Service Road 25 within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
Mr. Andersen was initially reported missing to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon after family members became concerned for his welfare. Information obtained during the investigation indicated his rental vehicle had last been in the vicinity of U.S. Forest Service Road 25 on May 18th, 2026.
On June 15th, 2026, the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office coordinated an extensive Search and Rescue mission involving volunteer Search and Rescue personnel from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Team. Despite a comprehensive search of the area, neither Mr. Andersen nor his vehicle were located at that time.
The investigation continued over the following weeks through the collaborative efforts of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cellular Analysis Survey Team (FBI C.A.S.T.), and the United States Forest Service. Utilizing historical location data and other investigative resources, investigators identified a remote location where evidence of a vehicle leaving the roadway was discovered.
On July 14th, 2026, investigators located Mr. Andersen’s rental vehicle down a steep embankment below U.S. Forest Service Road 25. Mr. Andersen was subsequently located deceased near the vehicle.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Based upon the available evidence, investigators found no indication of criminal activity or third-party involvement. The investigation has been completed and has been forwarded to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr. Andersen’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
The Sheriff’s Office would also like to recognize and sincerely thank the dedicated volunteer Search and Rescue personnel from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue and Silver Star Search & Rescue Teams whose professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment were instrumental throughout both the initial search and the subsequent recovery operation. These volunteers routinely respond to emergencies in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most challenging terrain, sacrificing countless hours away from their families and personal lives to assist those in need and to provide answers and closure to others during their most difficult moments.
The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office also extends its sincere appreciation to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, whose initial missing person investigation and continued coordination were invaluable throughout this case. We are equally grateful to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Cellular Analysis Survey Team (FBI C.A.S.T.) for their exceptional technical expertise and investigative support, which ultimately led investigators to the remote crash site. We also recognize the United States Forest Service for their continued partnership, field assistance, and commitment throughout the search, investigation, and recovery efforts, as well as the Washington State Emergency Management Division, the Skamania County Coroner’s Office, and all assisting personnel whose professionalism and collaboration made the successful resolution of this investigation possible.
Out of respect for the Andersen family, no additional information will be released at this time. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office asks the public to keep Mr. Andersen’s loved ones in their thoughts during this difficult time.