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Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP14292) and 1 other source
On a fall day in 1988, a young man's life was tragically cut short in the turbulent waters of the Green River. Jason Thomas Scholz, a 20-year-old male from Black Diamond, Washington, was last seen on November 5, 1988. He had been rafting with a companion when their raft overturned, and Jason was swept away by the current. The force of the river separated him from his friend, and despite what must have been a desperate struggle, he disappeared from sight into the cold, rushing water. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black leather jacket, a black shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes. He had brown hair and brown eyes, and a noticeable 1.5-inch scar on his chin.

The initial search for Jason was met with the heartbreaking reality of the river's power. For over a year, his family and friends were left with unanswered questions and the deep pain of not knowing his fate. The Green River, a place of recreation and natural beauty, became a site of loss and sorrow for those who knew him. The King County Sheriff's Office investigated his disappearance, but the vast and unforgiving wilderness offered few clues as to where he might be.

A significant development in the case came in the early part of 1990 when a tennis shoe containing human bones was discovered. Through forensic analysis, these remains were identified as belonging to Jason Thomas Scholz. This discovery confirmed the tragic outcome of the rafting accident, bringing a painful sense of closure to his loved ones. However, the rest of his remains have never been recovered. The case is a somber reminder of the unpredictable power of nature. While it is known that Jason perished in the Green River, the full recovery of his remains has been elusive, leaving a lingering sense of incompletion for his family. The incident stands as a testament to a young life lost too soon and the enduring mystery that can be left behind in the wake of such a tragedy.

Last Seen: Nov 5, 1988

Links to Additional Sources (1)

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Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

86%Strong
John Doe — Washington - unidentified case UP5697
John Doe — Washington
UP5697 • Found Mar 18, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–24 vs 20
Race 100%White
Location 98%18 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 months after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%155 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
77%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP11907
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP11907 • Found Aug 25, 1989
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 20
Race 100%White
Location 69%129 mi away
TimingFound 10 months after last seen
Height 68%5'8" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%160 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Portland, Oregon - unidentified case UP9988
John Doe — Portland, Oregon
UP9988 • Found Jan 15, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 21–30 vs 20 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 69%129 mi away
TimingFound 7 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10" vs 5'11"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
76%Possible
John Doe — Washington
UP10464 • Found Feb 28, 1991
View case
Sex ✓Male
Race 100%White
Location 89%51 mi away, same state
TimingFound 2 years after last seen
Height 100%5'10"–6'0" vs 5'11"
Weight 100%160–190 lb vs 150 lb
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
75%Possible
John Doe — Issaquah, Washington - unidentified case UP8582
John Doe — Issaquah, Washington
UP8582 • Found Jan 15, 2003
View case
Sex ✓Male
Age 100%Est. 18–30 vs 20 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 99%15 mi away, same county
TimingFound 14 years after last seen
Height 68%5'3"–5'8" vs 5'11"

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.