Medical examiner, BPD issue statement on death of Dwight Clark

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner and the Bellingham Police Department have issued the following statement regarding the death of Dwight Clark, according to an e-mail message sent this afternoon from Randy Stegmeier, Western Washington University's chief of police.

Here's the statement from the medical examiner and the BPD, in its entirety:

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner, Dr. Gary Goldfogel, released findings today identifying the body found in Bellingham Bay Wednesday morning to be that of missing WWU freshman Dwight Clark. Clark’s body was discovered by a man in a small boat doing work along a dock owned by the Port of Bellingham. An initial identification of Clark’s body was made Wednesday morning based on a Washington State Drivers License found on the body. Today, that initial identification has been confirmed by the comparison of dental records and other known factors. Clark’s driver’s license, student ID, credit cards, cell phone and cash were also discovered on the body.

The information released to police by Dr. Goldfogel was that a complete forensic examination was performed. The autopsy findings of the body were consistent with being in the water the entire time Dwight Clark was missing and that his death occurred in the water. There were no identified external or internal injuries to cause his death. There were no signs of inflicted trauma. The certification of cause and manner of death are pending the completion of studies initiated with the autopsy including toxicology. The finalization of the autopsy is expected in 6-8 weeks.

Bellingham Police Chief Todd G. Ramsay issued the following statement:

“All of us at the Bellingham Police Department are deeply saddened with this tragic confirmation.” Chief Ramsay went on to say, “I want to sincerely thank the many volunteers for coming together in the search for Dwight. We were all hopeful that he would be found safe. Mostly, I want to express our heartfelt sense of loss to the family and friends of Dwight. I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time. “

In his e-mail message, Stegmeier reminded students that the Counseling Center at WWU is available as a resource for all students coping with grief through this difficult process. Counseling Center staff members are, and will continue to be, available to any students seeking assistance. The Counseling Center, located in Old Main 540, can be reached at (360) 650-3164. Same-day appointments are available. After hours, the Counselor on Call can be reached by calling (360) 650-3555.