Soldier found dead after parachute jump in Washington

SEATTLE — A soldier who went missing after a parachute jump in Mason County was found dead in a wooded area west of Tacoma.

The jump occurred during a training exercise Friday. Maj. Timothy C. Chavis, a 1st Special Forces Group spokesman, said a local rescue team helping in the search discovered the soldier’s body around 10 p.m. in a heavily wooded area of Mason County.

The soldier was part of the 1st Special Forces Group based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

The soldier's name has not been released.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the soldier involved in this tragic incident," said Col. Otto K. Liller, commander of the 1st Special Forces Group. "We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident, and we will do everything in our power to support the family of the brave soldier who died today."

Contributing: The Associated Press