Grant PUD archaeologist found dead on Monday

BEVERLY - A man found dead on Saturday while apparently hiking near the train trestle in Beverly was a Grant County PUD senior archaeologist, the utility confirmed Monday.

Harvey "Pete" Rice, 73, of Beverly, was found about 5 a.m. Saturday by an area resident, according to information from the Grant County Sheriff's Office and Grant County Coroner's Office.

An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death, according to Grant County Coroner Jerry Jasman. There was no indication at the scene to suggest foul play, Jasman added.

Rice had some type of backpack with him when he was found, said Grant County Chief Deputy Courtney Conklin.

Jasman said Rice appeared to be hiking.

Rice started working for Grant PUD in June 1999 and was employed with the utility up until his death, said a utility spokesperson Dorothy Harris. He worked out of the utility's cultural resources department in the Wanapum Village.

Harris said no one was available Monday to offer further comments about Rice.

"We really just have folks who are dealing with the news today," Harris said.

Grant County PUD Commission Chairman Tom Flint said Rice worked extensively with Wanapum Tribe Leader Rex Buck Jr. regarding culturally sensitive and historical areas within Grant County.

"I know Rex had a good relationship with Pete," Flint said.

Buck was unavailable Monday afternoon for comment.

Rice also completed cultural historic work for the utility's recent relicensing of the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project, Flint said.