VA surgeon's body found in Spokane River

Emily Rappleye -

Local authorities in Spokane, Wash., pulled a body from the Spokane River Tuesday morning that appears to be that of the missing Spokane VA Medical Center surgeon John Marshall, MD, according to KREM 2 News.

Dr. Marshall, 49, went missing Monday, and was last seen leaving the YMCA at 5:00 a.m. to go for a jog, according to the report. His wife told KREM this was routine for Dr. Marshall, who was a former Marine and served in Afghanistan.

At 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, officials pulled a body from the north bank of the river, below the trail Dr. Marshall typically ran along, according to the report. While Interim Spokane Police Chief Rick Dobrow told KREM there are no obvious signs of foul play, Major Crimes Detectives are treating the case as suspicious, according to the report.

Bret Bowers, with Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center, provided the following statement, according to the report.

"We are deeply saddened to learn that local authorities confirmed Dr. John Marshall's body was found this morning. Dr. Marshall was a fantastic surgeon who will be deeply missed. He began his career at the VA Medical Center over five years ago. Recently, he was serving as the Acting Chief of Surgery, a role in which he excelled. Patients and staff alike talked regularly about his conscientious, empathetic and respectful nature. A Marine, Army doctor, and combat Veteran, Dr. Marshall was an outstanding surgeon and consummate professional who cared about his patients and dedicated team of VA co-workers. We express our deepest sympathies to his family and all those who were close to him," he wrote.

 

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