UPDATE: Death investigation by Fauntleroy ferry dock (new information Friday)

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

ORIGINAL 4:46 PM WEDNESDAY REPORT: Thanks for the tips. An SFD medical response at the Fauntleroy ferry dock resulted in a police dispatch for a death investigation, and we’ve just obtained information from SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty, who tells WSB:

At 3:09 p.m., our rescue boat and a fireboat were dispatched to the 4800 block of SW Barton St., near the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock, to investigate a report of a person in the water. They arrived and pulled a patient from the water onto the rescue boat. Life-saving efforts were attempted, but the patient was unfortunately pronounced deceased. The patient was an approximately 66-year-old man. Law enforcement and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office are investigating.

A person waiting for the ferry tells us Cove Park north of the dock is still cordoned off.

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Today’s Medical Examiner list includes the outcome of the investigation. The ME ruled that the man died from drowning and ruled his death a case of suicide (as was unofficially suspected Wednesday, but we wait for the official information in cases like this).

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is available 24/7.

Kristen Salzhauer June 10, 2026 (6:52 pm)

My son and I were on the beach when it happened and had to evacuate as they brought the body out of the fire boat to shore. It was quite rattling. In the chaos, my new AirPods were lost on the beach and I thought maybe this would be a place that might have information if they were found.?

Just wondering June 11, 2026 (3:01 pm)

Really?
G June 11, 2026 (4:49 pm)

Someone died.

C June 10, 2026 (9:50 pm)

No, not the place for that. Have some decency.

k June 11, 2026 (6:46 am)

It’s actually not a bad bet that someone else in the same spot at the same time would come here and see that.
Cutsomeonesomeslack June 11, 2026 (7:47 am)

I disagree. They were traumatized, affected by what they saw and needed to share their story. Part of their story is their loss.

ALM June 10, 2026 (10:02 pm)

My gosh, this is awful… Will there be more news on if this was accidental or foul play? I live in the area and it’s concerning. My thoughts are with this poor person and his family.

WSB June 11, 2026 (12:23 am)

So far, there’s no indication of “foul play.” Once the death appears on the Medical Examiner’s list – could be as soon as tomorrow afternoon – we’ll update this story with the cause.
- ALM June 11, 2026 (11:55 am)
  
  Thanks for keeping us informed!

Thoughts and prayers June 11, 2026 (9:48 am)

Oh no that’s awful – did you find the lost AirPods?

Alex June 11, 2026 (4:27 pm)

Hoping this is not a trend or area collateral. A 61 woman was found dead on the beach in Lincoln Park in October of 2023. A young man was found dead just south of the dock in July 2024 and now this unfortunate man also in his 60’s. Let’s hope the families can get closure what happened.