UPDATE: June 5 at 7:18 a.m.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office has identified the man found in the Columbia River near Mound Pond on May 24, 2025, as Gregory L. Vanhooser, a 40-year-old with ties to Missouri.

Lieutenant Mike Clark stated that Vanhooser was known to be homeless and often stayed at the Union Gospel Mission in Pasco. He was last seen around March 20, 2025, possibly searching for work in a Burbank-area orchard.

An autopsy conducted on May 29, 2025, found no evidence of homicide. Further microscopic testing is underway to determine the cause of death.

Detectives from Benton County have reached Vanhooser's next of kin in Missouri. The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities urge anyone with information about Vanhooser's last known whereabouts to contact Detective Tomren

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