Tacoma Woman Found Dead After Driving on Beach Near Ocean Shores, Coroner Says

Tacoma Woman Found Dead After Driving on Beach Near Ocean Shores, Coroner Says

A tragic incident occurred near Ocean Shores, Washington, last month, when 39-year-old Itzel Perez of Tacoma drowned after her vehicle was overtaken by waves while driving on the beach. The Grays Harbor County Coroner confirmed the details of the incident in a Facebook post. Perez’s body was discovered on November 20, north of Damon Road, an access point to the beach.

According to the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m., after receiving a report of a person found face down on the shore. Coroner George Kelley referred to Perez’s death as a tragic accident, extending condolences to her family during this incredibly difficult time.

Perez’s sister took to Facebook to share a heartfelt tribute, emphasizing that her sister’s life was defined by her kindness, vibrancy, and beauty—not by the tragic way it ended. Perez was a graduate of Sammamish High School in Bellevue and later attended the University of Washington.

Investigators have not found any connection between Perez’s death and the recent death of another Tacoma woman, Annie Michelle Fears, who was found in the same area on October 22. The investigation into Perez’s death remains ongoing as authorities work to determine all the circumstances surrounding the incident.