OSO — Snohomish County officials are planning a press conference Monday to discuss bringing an end to active search operations for people missing since the Oso mudslide.
The county used Facebook and its website to announce that change is coming.
Sheriff Ty Trenary is expected to talk about what went into the decision to end the active search, which has been under way since the hill fell on March 22. Meanwhile, County Executive John Lovick and others plan to talk about long-term support efforts for Darrington, Oso and Arlington, as well as environmental issues in the slide area.
“As debris removal begins, passive search operations will continue,” a county press release said. “Spotters in the field will work alongside heavy equipment operators to identify personal property that might still be in the slide material. Active search could resume if conditions change, allowing access to areas that were previously inaccessible.”
So far, 41 people have been recovered and identified as victims of the mudslide. Missing are Steven Hadaway, 53, who had been installing a satellite TV dish at a home along Steelhead Drive, and Kris Regelbrugge, 44, whose husband’s body already has been recovered.
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