Official death toll from Oso slide now at 21

Snohomish County rescue teams and emergency crews say the death toll from the Oso mudslide has reached 21. Among those reportedly confirmed dead is Shane Ruthven, who as of Saturday had been reported missing along with his wife, Katie Ruthven; their sons, Hunter, 6, and Wyatt, 4; and Shane Ruthven’s mother, JuDee Vandenburg; and stepfather, Lou Vandenburg. Over the weekend rescue crews also found the body of Lou Vandenburg, 71. The Seattle Times reported his death was also confirmed by family members. Until Sunday morning, there were 18 fatalities. The number of missing has remained at 30. Shane Ruthven, 43, grew up in Spokane, graduated from Ferris High School in 1987 and lived in Eastern Washington until moving to the West Side in the early 2000s. The Vandenburgs are Rogers High School graduates and moved to live near their son and his family. A Seattle Times editor said family members confirmed Shane Ruthven’s death on Sunday.