PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend Police Department is investigating after the body of a man who was reported to be suicidal was found at North Beach Friday morning.

Because of the terrain in the area it took police and personnel from East Jefferson Fire Rescue about an hour to reach the location, Keppie Keplinger, Port Townsend Police Department spokesperson, said in a press release.

Jefferson County Sheriff Joe Nole said the man’s mother reported at 5:20 p.m. Thursday that she had received a “goodbye” text message indicating her son was suicidal.

He said law enforcement unsuccessfully attempted to ping his phone to locate him before a Port Townsend officer found his vehicle parked at North Beach at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

When officers arrived they saw the man and called for him, but he ran into a wooded area and they were unable to locate him.

Law enforcement searched until dark but could not find him.

His body was found Friday morning.

The police department was withholding the man’s name pending notification of next of kin, Keplinger said Friday.

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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.