Body of missing teen found in Yakima River

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

BENTON CITY – The Benton County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed a body located at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Yakima River has been identified as Gage Mercado, 18.

Mercado was reported missing on Sunday. He was last seen at a bonfire around Horn Rapids Park north of Benton City on Saturday night.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office initiated search and rescue efforts utilizing both local and state resources. Those search efforts led to locating Mercado’s body.

Detectives are currently investigating the death.

Photo via Benton County Sheriff’s Office