LYNDEN, Wash. — The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office issued an alert today, January 5, 2026, regarding a man reported missing from the 200 block of River Road, near the Nooksack River, on December 28, 2025.
On December 28, Richard Rutledge was reported missing from the 200 block of River Road, near the Nooksack River. The WCSO launched an immediate and extensive Search and Rescue operation, involving volunteers from the Summit to Sound Search & Rescue and the Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4×4 Unit, K9 units, and police departments from Blaine and Sumas. Drones were deployed, and US Border Patrol Air and Marine units utilized their helicopter to aid in the search.
The comprehensive search continued the following day, December 29, with the Air and Marine helicopter, K9 units and the addition of three boats and a ground team.
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Click for more informationOn day three, December 30, WCSO river sleds, the Everson Police Department boat, and two K9 units were deployed. Unfortunately, the hazardous river conditions were significant, forcing the team to wait for more favorable conditions.
Yesterday, Sunday, January 4, another Search and Rescue operation was attempted, with Summit to Sound and K9 units returning to the scene. Despite all these efforts and the relentless commitment of searchers to locate Richard and return him to his loved ones, searchers have not been able to locate him.
If you have any information or tips, please call 911. The search will resume when the river becomes more cooperative and conditions improve.
– Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (January 5, 2026)
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