A man who drowned after his car rolled into the Kalama River was found dead shortly after 6 a.m. Friday.
James Martindale, 58, of Kalama and a female companion had been camping in a tent on the river, near Fisherman’s Loop Road, for about a week. The woman woke to find Martindale missing and the car fully submerged.
The Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office issued a news bulletin asking anyone with information to call 360-577-3092. Tips can be made anonymously by calling 360-577-1206.
A preliminary investigation indicates the car rolled into the river overnight.
Authorities arrived at the river Friday to find the car 20 yards off the shoreline. Martindale was found about 200 yards downstream.
The body was recovered and turned over to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
