Investigation continues on the death of Orcas Island woman | Update

The body of an Orcas Island woman was discovered on Nov. 22 after she was reported missing the day before.

The body of an Orcas Island woman was discovered on Nov. 22 after she was reported missing the day before.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue worked with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department to find Maria Massey, 26, of Deer Harbor, who went missing in the early morning hours of Nov. 21 after her vehicle, a 2010 Hyundai Accent, was found crashed into a tree in the 2600 block of Crow Valley Road. She was not found at the site of the accident.

Massey, according to the Sheriff’s Department, had reportedly left her house sometime around midnight and had not been seen or heard from since.

The Fire Department organized a search party on Nov. 21 and 22 with more than 40 volunteers along with trackers and two dog teams from Kitsap and Snohomish Counties. Her body was found at 9:05 a.m. close to a pump house in a wooded area near the edge of he forest close to the 2300 block of Crow Valley Road.

“Investigation into her disappearance and cause of death continues,” said Sheriff Rob Nou in a press release.

A completed autopsy showed she did not sustain injuries from the car accident that would have led to her death, according to County Coroner Randy Gaylord. A pending toxicology report could reveal more information.

Massey was active in the theater community on Orcas Island and was known for her beautiful voice.

An outpouring of loving messages have flooded Massey’s Facebook page with words like, “We will always remember you Maria!” and “I’ll miss you and your headstrong smile.”

She was described by many as sweet, beautiful, dynamic, passionate, unique and creative. Flowers and a sign adorned with a drawing of the “tragedy and comedy” masks of theater and the words “Maria J. Massey – rest in peace” have been placed at the site of the accident.