HOOD RIVER — A body was discovered inside a van parked in the Edward Jones parking lot on Wood Court after the vehicle had reportedly remained in the same spot for approximately two weeks.
“It finally hit me when I was leaving for a class around 5 or 6 a.m. and the van was still there — this wasn’t just someone’s favorite parking spot,” said Molly Searcy, a financial advisor for Edward Jones.
Searcy said that no one saw anyone entering or leaving the van and recalled it being parked there for quite some time. She reported it to parking services about a week before the discovery. While the van was legally parked, its position near the entrance made it difficult for drivers to see when exiting the lot, she noted.
A week after the initial parking report, employees contacted the non-emergency line after coworkers noticed a “smell.” Searcy said bees were also circling the van in addition to the odor. Investigators roped off the scene, and officials later removed a body from the vehicle.
Police said the call was for a welfare check, which led to the discovery.
“No foul play, nothing suspicious about it,” said Lieutenant Don Cheli. “We can’t give any more information because we still have to contact the family.”
Residents with non-emergency concerns can call the Hood River Police Department Dispatch Center at 541-386-2121. Questions about parking or municipal code enforcement may be directed to 541-387-2761. Always dial 911 in the event of an emergency, as these numbers are intended only for non-urgent issues.
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