The body of Jose Argueta-Chavarria, a 45-year-old man who went missing in August 2023, was recovered from Lake Washington on April 11, 2025. Seattle police used a submersible remote-operated vehicle to retrieve the body, which was found approximately 100 feet below the surface between Rainier Beach and Mercer Island. The King County Medical Examiner confirmed the identity of the remains.
Argueta-Chavarria was last seen on August 27, 2023, after borrowing a boat from a friend. The boat was later found unoccupied near a dock, and his vehicle was discovered at the Atlantic City Boat Ramp, a location he frequently visited. His family and girlfriend had expressed concern when he failed to return home, prompting a search.
The discovery was made by a private company conducting sonar surveys on April 10, 2025. They marked the location with a buoy, leading to the recovery operation by the Seattle Police Harbor Unit. Based on the evidence, authorities believe the body is that of Argueta-Chavarria, bringing closure to a case that had remained unresolved for nearly two years.