Missing Washington Man Found Dead by the Highway

Carroll Johnson surrounded by his grandchild around Christmas time.
Carroll Johnson surrounded by his grandchild around Christmas time | Photo courtesy of Kristin Prince (daughter)

The case of a missing man here on the North Coast took a tragic turn after his body was found along the highway.

The 69-year-old Carroll Johnson was found along Highway 101 just north of Orick. Johnson has been a well-known local commercial fisherman in the area. He’d originally traveled from Santa Cruz and docked at Humboldt Bay to visit family on his way back to Washington. The family reported him missing on January 31st.

Prior to his death, Johnson was seen staying at the Motel 6 in Arcata with a woman who may have been known felon Casie Dean. While the woman later returned to the hotel that night, Johnson did not.

Arcata Police say their investigation is continuing tonight. The circumstances of Johnson’s death are still unclear.

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