Authorities are investigating the death of a person whose body was found in a vehicle in the Yakima River Canyon.

The Kittitas County Sheriff says a passing motorist reported a vehicle off the road in the canyon at about 9:15 Friday morning. Responding officers from the Washington State Patrol found the occupant in the back seat.

The victim had apparently been shot.

The sheriff's office did not release the victim's name in the statement Friday, pending notification of family. The victim is believed to be a Yakima resident.

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Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakimaherald.com