UPDATE 9 | November 14, 2021

The almost two-week search for missing experienced hunter and Seattle Fire Deputy Chief, Jay Schreckengost has come to a close this evening after he was located deceased about one-half mile from where his previously discovered truck had been located. Released by the Sheriff’s Office, there was no suspicious activity of nature or foul play but the exact cause of his death is under investigation. No preliminary cause was released.

We send our sincere sympathies and thoughts to his immediate and fire families, loved ones, friends and, to the communities he served in. DC Schreckengost will be greatly missed by many and out of respect to his family – we are asking those to please allow them to grieve his passing.

Hunter and DC Schreckengost was last seen on November 2nd, around 0700 PT in Naches (Yakima County), Washington when he texted his wife to say that he had parked his truck and going out to scout for an area for elk hunting. He was due to call his family that night to let them know he had returned safely to his rented cabin at the Squak Rock Resort and RV park but they never received the call. He was reported as missing after not being able to locate him, to the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office immediately but it would be deemed by the County, that the Chief was actually missing in nearby Kittitas County. This County Sheriff’s Office would take the lead as both the primary SAR agency and as PIO. Yakima County and Kittitas County worked together as Unified Command, as well as combining their resources together. Over the course of the search to this day, there have been more than 60 agencies and 150-plus off-duty Seattle Fire personnel, as well as other FD personnel joining in the search.

From past experience, this is out-of-the-norm for searches to have this number of resources completely focusing on this type of search. Glad to hear that so many were looking for him.

THANK YOU to those who spent countless time, energy, money and worked together to find him. – Ed.

Kittitas County released this Official presser this evening:

If you are a first responder, Fire/Police, EMS, Dispatcher, or a family of one and find it difficult with this news, please reach out for free, confidential 24/7/365 assistance to Safe Call Now by calling 206-459-3020.

Please check back for updates. We will be posting as new information is received.

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