“Identity of Deceased Victim in Clearwater River Found: Damien P. Kucich”

The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man found dead in the Clearwater River as Damien P. Kucich, a 38-year-old from California. An autopsy determined that Kucich died from drowning. Two individuals, Ryan Nicholas and Rebekah Ramos, who were with Kucich before his death, have been interviewed and booked on Grand Theft charges. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Big Country News reported

Deputies from the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a deceased individual found in the Clearwater River near Gibbs Eddy off Highway 12 on May 28. The person’s identity was initially unknown, and the public was asked for assistance in identifying him. On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the deceased individual is Damien P. Kucich, a 38-year-old from South Lake Tahoe, California. An autopsy determined that drowning was the cause of death.

During the course of their investigation, detectives interviewed multiple individuals and were able to identify the last known individuals who were with Kucich before his death. These individuals are Ryan Nicholas, 29, from Ahsahka, and Rebekah Ramos, 33, from Truckee, California. Both Nicholas and Ramos have been interviewed by detectives and have been booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on Grand Theft charges. However, there is currently no information to suggest that they are responsible for Kucich’s death.

A photograph of Nicholas and Ramos has been provided by the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office. Kucich is believed to have left a white 2014 Lexus SUV, registered to Ramos, near Dino’s Gas station in Orofino sometime after midnight on May 27. He was last seen wearing Khaki shorts and lime green shoes in the vicinity of Dino’s, close to the bank of the Clearwater River.

Both Nicholas and Ramos remain in custody at the Nez Perce County Jail as of Thursday afternoon. Anyone with information regarding Kucich’s death is urged to contact Detective Wendy King at 208-799-2121, ext 1..