Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper

The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review

Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
News >  Crime/Public Safety

Missing Spokane man found dead in Long Lake, police investigating

May 25, 2023 Updated Thu., May 25, 2023 at 8:53 p.m.

Robert Rich  (Courtesy of Spokane Police Department)
Robert Rich (Courtesy of Spokane Police Department)

A 48-year-old Spokane man who went missing in March was found dead nearly two weeks ago in Long Lake in Stevens County.

A kayaker discovered Robert Rich’s body in the middle of the lake the afternoon of May 13, said Stevens County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Greg Gowin. Gowin said the sheriff’s office’s marine patrol unit responded and located Rich with no clothing.

Gowin said an autopsy was performed May 15 and the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as Rich.

Stevens County Coroner Ramona Colvin said Rich’s cause of death is pending.

The Spokane Police Department posted on its Facebook page April 20 that Rich had not had contact with his family since March 16, which was unusual. Police spokeswoman Julie Humphreys said the department is investigating Rich’s death.

The Spokesman-Review Newspaper

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are not tax deductible, but are predominately used to help meet the local financial requirements needed to receive national matching-grant funds.

Active Person

Subscribe now to get breaking news alerts in your email inbox

Get breaking news delivered to your inbox as it happens.