A high-ranking official in the Seattle Fire Department has been found dead.

Almost two weeks ago, Seattle Deputy Fire Chief Jay Schreckengost, 56, never returned from a hunting trip.

Sadly, his body was recently found a mere .5 miles from where he had parked his truck to go hunting.

Sad Day

On November 2, Schreckengost left home to go hunting, only he never returned.

After being reported missing, a massive search operation was undertaken to find him.

A total of 60 different organizations and agencies took up the search for Schreckengost.

After 12 days of searching, they found his body dead nearby where he had parked his vehicle.

While his autopsy has not yet been performed, authorities stated that at this time, they do not suspect any foul play in the case.

Kittitas County Sheriff Clay Myers stated, “We’re saddened to give news of Chief Schreckengost’s passing to his family and fellow firefighters, and we ask the public and press to respect their privacy as they grieve his loss.

“We also want to thank everyone who participated in or supported this search.

“It was a tremendous outpouring of resources and effort that produced a vital result: a family knows what happened to their loved one and he can be brought home to them.”

The Seattle Fire Department also released a statement, which read, “We are incredibly saddened by this news and are all grieving the loss of one of our own.

“Deputy Chief Schreckengost was a husband, father and friend to all, and our hearts are with his family right now who have been at the site every day searching alongside search and rescue, fire and law enforcement agencies.

“While the outcome is not what we would have hoped, we know that this will bring closure to Jay’s family, friends and colleagues. We will always remember you Jay, you are forever in our hearts.”

Schreckengost had been the department for 36 years prior to passing.

Rest in peace, sir, and thank you for your service.

Source: Fox News