Bodies found believed to be missing Enumclaw teens

Austin Grote, 18, and Aleecia McAskill, 17, went missing on Saturday, Feb. 1.

2/11/2020 correction: The original online article incorrectly misspelled Aleecia McAskill’s name. The article has been updated.

Original 2/4/2020 post:

Officer believe they found the bodies of two missing Enumclaw teenagers who went missing over the weekend.

Austin Grote, 18, and Aleecia McAskill, 17, had not been seen Saturday, Feb. 1 when they were at the Enumclaw Safeway, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office. Their parents called officers on Sunday when they didn’t return.

Grote’s car was found off Mud Mountain Dam Road and a search of the area commenced, Sgt. Ryan Abbott said, adding that more than 40 deputies and search and rescue workers were involved.

After two full days of searching, the two bodies were found around 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 4.

“No foul play is suspected,” Abbott said.

At the moment, it is unclear exactly where the bodies were found.

The Enumclaw School District sent out an email to students and their families shortly after the unfortunate discovery.

“Our EHS counselors have been meeting with students and staff to provide support during this difficult time of loss,” the district wrote, adding that Grote and McAskill were former students. “Thank you for working together to support each other during this difficult time.”

The bodies will be formally identified by the county’s Medical Examiner, who will also determine the cause of death.

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