Reward offered for missing Quinault elder

Search focused near Copalis Crossing.

The Quinault Nation Business Committee is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who provides information leading to solving the Oct. 4 disappearance of Quinault elder Jerry Hyasman.

Hyasman also known as “Jerry Pies” was last known to be mushroom picking with a companion near Copalis Crossing, according to the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Department.

He is 56 years old, a Native American who is 5-foot-7 and approximately 180 pounds with short gray hair, a synthetic left eye, a “tribal tattoo” on his arm and a stocky build. Members of the Quinault Indian Nation and other tribes joined the Sheriff’s search and rescue, which was called off on Friday Oct. 7 at 5 p.m.

However, a small group of volunteers including tribal searchers has continued the search and has maintained contact with local and tribal enforcement officials.

All citizens are asked to be on the lookout for Hyasman. Anyone with any information regarding his disappearance is urged to call the 911 non-emergency call number (360)-249-3711 or call the Taholah Police Department at (360)-276-4423.

The Quinault Business Committee said it believes the reward is “necessary as foul play has not been ruled out. Quinault Nation Enforcement does not have jurisdiction over this case but is cooperating, providing resources and assisting non-tribal agencies by providing food, volunteers, staff and a search helicopter.”

Quinault Police Chief Mark James encourages anyone who knows anything to call or stop by the police department immediately.