Investigation into drowning death near Mukilteo dock stalled

Published 1:30 am Friday, September 9, 2016

MUKILTEO — The death investigation of a young man whose remains were found in Puget Sound in July has turned up few answers so far.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Jose Sanchez Diaz, 20, of Lynnwood, drowned.

His body was found in his car in the water near the Mukilteo ferry dock, nearly a year after he was reported missing. His remains were recovered, but investigators have not yet been able to retrieve the car.

The medical examiner did not have enough evidence to make a medical ruling on the circumstances of Sanchez Diaz’ death, according to a news release.

Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives are working with the state on a plan to recover the vehicle from the water, spokeswoman Shari Ireton said Friday. That is a necessary step in the case before any findings can be completed, she said.

Anyone who may have had contact with Sanchez Diaz in the last hours of his life is encouraged to come forward. Tips, including anonymous calls, can be made to 425-388-3845.

“There is no evidence a crime was committed, and the investigation is still open,” Ireton said.