Remains discovered by boaters on May 22, washed up along the shore of the Columbia River about a mile east of Nassa Point, have been identified as James V. Ponto, 49, of Portland.

The remains were recovered by the Wahkiakum County Sheriff’s Department and the Coroner’s Office. Because of the state of the remains, they were transported to the Washington State Forensic Anthropologist for scientific examination, and were identified through dental records.

Ponto’s abandoned automobile was found near a beach on Sauvie Island on December 2, 2019. The Portland Police Department are investigating the matter.