Man found dead by hiker in Thurston County apparently suffered medical emergency

A man found dead near Littlerock Road Sunday afternoon is believed to have suffered a medical emergency, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.

He was identified as Jon Bryant, 62, of Centralia, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said Tuesday. A cause of death has yet to be determined, although he does not suspect foul play.

Bryant’s medical examination was set for Tuesday, he said.

Just before 4 p.m. Sunday, the man’s body was discovered in the 16000 block of Littlerock Road Southwest near a trail that is popular among hikers looking to access state land, Lt. Mike Brooks said Tuesday.

The location is also south of the Black River access area, he said. A person about to walk on the trail found the man, Brooks said.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 10:52 AM.