Body Of Missing Camper Found Near Yelm

Divers found the body of a 20-year-old man who was last seen Friday during a camping trip near Yelm, said the Thurston County sheriff’s office.

Jay Nelson was camping with friends at Deschutes Falls County Park Friday night. He was last seen when the group went to sleep at about 11 p.m.

When his friends awoke on Saturday morning, Nelson had disappeared, though his sleeping bag and belongings were still at the campsite in Southeast Thurston County.

Deputies said the group camped very near a ledge just above the river.

Thurston County search and rescue teams, including a dive team, had been searching the area and portions of the Deschutes River for days.

Around 3 p.m. Wednesday Nelson's body was found by volunteer divers.

Previous Stories: February 22, 2010: Man Disappears During Camping Trip Near River