RICHLAND, Wash. – The Benton County Coroner released the identity of the man who was found dead along SR 240 in Richland.
Coroner Bill Leach says 33-year-old Christopher Flores of Richland was found dead on Nov. 20 in a patch of tall grass about 10 feet from the road. His body was reportedly there for about two months before being found.
Due to Flores’ body being exposed to the elements for several weeks, the coroner’s office had to do a scientific identification to be sure about his identity despite finding identification in his pockets.
Chief Deputy Coroner Dennis Morris said on Nov. 22 that identification could take several months, however the office confirmed Flores’ identity on Nov. 26 through dental records.
Flores’ cause of death is still unknown, pending a toxicology report sent on Nov. 22. There is no indication of traumatic injury, per Leach.
Leach says a trailer had lost a part of its load on Nov. 20 and Flores was found when the driver went to retrieve it.
Flores’ next of kin has been notified.
