County medical examiner identifies 3 who died last week

In a series of news releases issued Tuesday morning, the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified three males who were pronounced dead in separate incidents last week. Body found in Spokane Valley The body found Friday evening in Spokane Valley is that of Gary Huckaby, 40, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. A passerby found Huckaby’s “badly decomposed body” lying in tall grass between two boats that were being stored in the 8100 block of East Harrington Avenue, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release issued Tuesday. “With the cause and manner of his death still unknown, a criminal investigation will continue,” the release said. The scene was processed for evidence of a crime. No further information has been released. 16-year-old who drowned in Spokane River The boy who was pronounced dead at Sacred Heart Medical Center after drowning in the Spokane River was Donovan Groom, 16, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Rescue crews responding to a 911 call pulled Groom from the river just before noon near the Upriver Dam. Officials said he was not wearing a life jacket. Man found dead in Spokane County Jail The inmate who died Friday evening in the Spokane County Jail was Scott M. Stevens, 53, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Stevens, who was found dead during a cell check around 6:45 p.m., had been feeling ill and was alone in his cell, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. Jail guards called for assistance and “began life-saving efforts” after discovering him, the release said. Stevens was in custody on a charge of armed first-degree burglary, according to court records. His first appearance in court, scheduled for Friday afternoon, was delayed to Monday. Sheriff’s deputies and major crimes detectives are investigating. The Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death after a toxicology report.