Missing man found in Lake Chelan

*** Update July, 20th, 2026 ***
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports on July 17th, 2026 the body of the man who drowned in Lake Chelan on July 4th was recovered. Chief Deputy Coroner Faye Fetters positively identified the deceased as 43-year-old Dustin Hauanio. Chelan County Coroner Earl Crowe has ruled the death as asphyxiation due to freshwater drowning. The death was accidental.

During the past several days, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office obtained assistance from several outside agencies while attempting to locate Mr. Hauanio. Initially, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office dive team assisted by sending divers and a tow behind side scan sonar. On July 15th, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office sent their sonar team with an additional tow behind side scan sonar. They were able to locate and mark an object at approximately 250 feet in depth that would need further investigation. As a result, on July 17th, Seattle PD Harbor Patrol responded with their ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle). They were able to examine the object and confirm it was a human body. Using the ORV, they successfully recovered the remains. Once brought to the surface, the individual was positively identified.

The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by these partner agencies. Their specialized equipment and their willingness to go above and beyond was instrumental in in recovering Mr. Hauanio, helping bring closure to his family.