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Centralia Today
By the People, for the People
Truck Pulled from Cowlitz River, But Family Believes Missing Man Is Alive
Authorities say the vehicle belongs to Thomas Edward Kennedy, 55, who has not been reported missing.
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Authorities in Cowlitz County, Washington have pulled a truck from the Cowlitz River, but the family of the vehicle's owner, Thomas Edward Kennedy, believes he is still alive. Kennedy's family says he has been spotted in the Chehalis and Centralia areas, and they have not filed a missing persons report because they believe he is "alive and well."
Why it matters
This case highlights the complexities around missing persons cases, where family members may have differing perspectives on a person's status and whether to officially report them as missing. It also raises questions about how authorities handle situations where a person's vehicle is found, but the person themselves has not been located.
The details
Authorities say the truck belonged to Thomas Edward Kennedy, 55, and was pulled from the Cowlitz River near Gerhart Gardens Park. A friend of Kennedy's told authorities that he unintentionally rolled his vehicle into the river and then walked to shore. Kennedy's family members, including his daughters Cassandra Davenport and Marlena Jean Kennedy, say they believe he is alive and have spotted him in nearby areas, though they have not filed a missing persons report.
- The truck was pulled from the Cowlitz River on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Kennedy's cousin reported seeing him at a nearby homeless shelter on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
The players
Thomas Edward Kennedy
A 55-year-old man whose truck was pulled from the Cowlitz River, but whose family believes he is still alive and has been spotted in the Chehalis and Centralia areas.
Cassandra Davenport
The daughter of Thomas Edward Kennedy who says the family believes he is "alive and well" and has not filed a missing persons report.
Marlena Jean Kennedy
The 38-year-old daughter of Thomas Edward Kennedy who says her cousin reported seeing her father at a nearby homeless shelter on the day the truck was pulled from the river.
Troy Brightbill
The Undersheriff of the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, who confirmed the truck belonged to Thomas Edward Kennedy.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
What’s next
A deputy is attempting to confirm reported sightings of Thomas Edward Kennedy in the Chehalis and Centralia areas.
The takeaway
This case highlights the complexities around missing persons cases, where family members may have differing perspectives on a person's status and whether to officially report them as missing. It also raises questions about how authorities handle situations where a person's vehicle is found, but the person themselves has not been located.
