Jennifer McPhee
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 27/02) - The San Juan County, Wash., sheriff's office is closing its investigation into the death of former Yellowknifer Albert Whitehead.

Marine Deputy Sheriff Jon Larson was unable to locate medical or dental records, but received enough information to positively identify the body.

Calls and e-mails from Yellowknifers helped Larson close the case.

"Truly, I've never had people reach out so much and help an investigation from such a long distance," said Larson.

Whitehead's sailboat was found washed up on the rocks off Orcas Island late last month. Three weeks later, his body was found floating in the water.

According to the Larson's report: "From the descriptions of those people who knew Mr. Whitehead and his love for sailing, it is safe to say he died doing what he wanted and where he wanted."