A juvenile gray whale seen swimming in the Willapa River in Southwest Washington died Saturday, according to the nonprofit Cascadia Research Collective.

The whale was first spotted on April 1, around 20 miles inland. Scientists noted that although the whale was thin, it appeared to behave normally and showed no obvious signs of injury.

Following the initial sightings, the Cascadia Research Collective, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Chinook and Shoalwater Bay tribes began a multi-day search to relocate the whale.

On Saturday, the Cascadia Research Collective said on Facebook that the whale had died. No cause of death was listed, although an examination will take place. The group has asked the public to avoid the whale carcass if they see it.

The Chinook Tribe will also host a private ceremony for the whale, according to the Chinook Observer.

This story is developing and will be updated.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/05/gray-whale-death-willapa-river/