The Clallam County Sheriff's Office has reported that a body found in Dungeness on Sunday is believed to be 21-year-old Ty Coone, a Sequim kayaker missing since May 13. Sheriff Brian King expressed confidence that the body is indeed Coone, pending formal identification by the coroner's office through dental records, as shared via email on Tuesday, as detailed by the Peninsula Daily News.
Previous reports from KING 5 News indicated that Coone was last seen kayaking in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, north of Cline Spit, when a Small Craft Advisory was in effect. This could have resulted in high winds and hazardous waves for small vessels like the one Coone was in. While Coast Guard units recovered his kayak and a flotation cushion, they called off their initial 16-hour search without finding Coone. A community-led effort continued the search to no avail, leaving family and friends holding on to hope. Now, as the community begins to confront the tragic conclusion of this event, Duncan, a relative of Coone, shared with KING 5 News that recovering Ty's body "brings some closure to her family, but also starts their grieving process all over again."
Within this mix of sorrow and communal support, Coone's loved ones recently held a memorial service at Sequim Community Church and are planning another local Celebration of Life. "Ty was one of a kind—full of life, laughter, and love. From dirtbike tracks to bonfire nights, he brought people together and made every moment unforgettable," a relative wrote in tribute, according to a KIRO 7 News article. The upcoming event on June 14 is set to include music, food, and a slideshow.
