Autopsy performed for WWFD engineer
By Terry Murry on Thursday, January 11th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – A group from the Walla Walla and Richland Fire Departments transported the body of Walla Walla Fire Department Engineer Ryan Pleasants, 41, early Tuesday to Longview where a pathologist performed an autopsy. The results of the autopsy have not yet been released.
WWFD Deputy Chief Eric Wood said the reason Pleasants was transported to the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office was due to the availability of a pathologist to perform an autopsy in a timely manner. Pleasants, a 20-year-veteran of the WWFD was found deceased Sunday morning after not waking up while he was on duty at Fire Station No. 1.
During the trip to Longview, the group transporting Pleasant’s body were met by firefighters from Vancouver Fire Department, Clark County Fire District No. 6, Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue, Cowlitz Fire District No. 5, Cowlitz Fire District No. 3, and Longview Fire Department, paying tribute on overpasses leading into Longview.
According to Wood, Pleasants began his EMS career in Cowlitz County and spent much of his early adulthood throughout that area.
“Ryan was returned home later that evening (Tuesday), in which a large processional ensued,” Wood said.
A memorial is being planned and details will be released once those plans are finalized.
