Dental Records Confirm Identity of Body found as Cody Mason

The Kennewick man has officially been identified by authorities.

This confirmation, released Monday afternoon by the Benton County Coroners office, brings to a close a tragic chapter which involved the man's disappearance, then the discovery of a body near the Richland "Y" area.

The family has been notified, cause of death will have to wait until further tests are conducted, but Coroner John Hansens says there was NO evidence of foul play in Mason's death.

Mason was the subject of a widespread search by friends and family, including a significant effort to spread the work via social media, such as Facebook.

Mason had originally gone missing after last being seen on or near Bateman Island June 7th.  A Facebook page called "Help Find Cody Mason" was liked and commented on by hundreds of Tri-Citians.   He was reportedly found in some brush in the 1200 Block of Fowler Street in Richland, but authorities didn't officially confirm the body was Mason until today.

The man had seemingly begun to overcome some previous struggles with substance abuse, but had been working hard at keeping court dates and other required appointments.

At the time of his disappearance, he had been wanted by Franklin County authorities for larceny and theft.   He was missing for at least 16 days before his body was discovered June 23rd.

Pictured below is a missing poster used by friends and family to try to help locate him. (Courtesy of KNDU-TV)