Drowned sailor’s body recovered on North Whidbey

The body of a sailor who drowned in a boating accident on North Whidbey last month was found on a beach recently.

The body of a sailor who drowned in a boating accident on North Whidbey last month was found on a beach recently.

Keiyia T. Jones, a 33-year-old petty officer second class stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, disappeared in Crescent Harbor Aug. 8 after the boat he was on sank.

His mother, Shawna Jones-Smith, has remained on the island over the last couple of weeks. She vowed not to leave until either her son was found or she was satisfied that every possible effort had been made.

“I can’t say for sure it’s him until I see for myself,” she said. “I have to. I’m his mother. If anyone would know him, it would be me.”

Jones-Smith said she plans to take his body home to Chicago.

A beachwalker discovered the body in the surf along Ice House Road on the Seaplane Base Saturday, Aug. 29, according to the Island County Coroner Robert Bishop.

There were high waves and a storm surge at the time because of the windstorm.

Bishop said the discovery site was along the same stretch of beach where debris came ashore from the boat that sank. The man’s clothing and physical description match those of Jones.

His identity was confirmed by dental comparisons on Sunday, Bishop reported.

The cause of death was determined to be saltwater drowning, and the manner of death was determined to be an accident.