FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A body found on the riverbank of the Nooksack River nearly two years ago has been identified.

In November 2022, a set of human remains were found partially buried on the riverbank in Ferndale at the 5500 block of Ferndale Rd.

The city was conducting a levee inspection at the time of the discovery.

Now, City of Ferndale spokesperson Megan Juenemann says the remains have been identified as Mark Hess, a person who went missing 22 years ago. His identity was confirmed using DNA test results.

Hess, from Ferndale, was 46 years old at the time of his disappearance and was unemployed at that time. Juenemann adds that the case was worked for a number of years following his disappearance.

The case is still considered open while waiting on the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s report.

 

Editor’s note: This story was updated on Nov. 6 at 3:45 p.m. to reflect information provided by the City of Ferndale.