Expand / Collapse search
☰

Human remains discovered in wooded area in Frederickson, WA, investigation launched

By
FOX 13 Seattle
Pierce County
Published September 24, 2026 9:49 AM PDT
Published September 24, 2026 9:49 AM PDT

The Brief

    • Pierce County deputies launched a death investigation Wednesday after human remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area.
    • Because the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, they could not be immediately identified at the scene.
    • The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office will work to determine the identity of the deceased and establish an official cause of death.

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - The discovery of human remains in a heavily wooded area in Frederickson, Washington, has launched an active investigation. 

Pierce County deputies launched a death investigation Wednesday after human remains were discovered in a heavily wooded area. Because the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, they could not be immediately identified at the scene. The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office will work to determine the identity of the deceased and establish an official cause of death.

Police body camera footage from the scene where the human remains were discovered. (Pierce County Sheriff's Office)

Large police presence in Pierce County, WA after human remains found

What we know:

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, deputies responded to a report of human remains in the 7700 block of 176th Street East. 

Deputies arrived and confirmed that the remains were human, and a death investigation was launched. There was a large police presence in the area throughout the afternoon while investigators processed the scene and gathered evidence. 

The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office will work to determine the identity of the deceased and establish an official cause of death.

(Pierce County Sheriff's Office)

Cause and manner of death remain unknown

What we don't know:

"Due to the advanced state of decomposition, the remains were not immediately identifiable," said Deputy Carly Cappetto. 

The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office will work to identify the remains and the cause of death.

This is a developing story as the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The Source: Information in this story comes from communication between FOX 13 Seattle and Pierce County Sheriff's Office Deputy Carly Cappetto.

MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE

Greenwood taco truck owners seek answers after $7K hit-and-run

Chelan Hills Fire update: US Marshals arrest multiple suspects in western WA

Car crashes into utility pole, catches fire in Auburn, WA

Seattle mother fights for gun violence prevention 1 year after loss

CNN, MS NOW and Politico suing Trump administration over ban

Jaxon Smith-Njigba scores 3 TDs as Seattle Seahawks roll to 31-7 win over Cardinals

To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

Pierce CountyCrime and Public SafetyNews