The man whose body was found among refuse at a Vancouver recycling center died in an accident, according to the Clark County Medical Examiner.
Craig A. Mays, 51, of Vancouver died of blunt force trauma after sustaining multiple injuries, according to the medical examiner. His body was discovered by workers at the West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 N.W. Old Lower River Road, just after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Investigators with the Vancouver Police Department said the body was found on the sorting conveyor of one of the machines at the facility, and it appeared that the man’s body had been transported to the facility in a load of refuse.
Investigators reported that the body was mangled but that they do not suspect any foul play in the case.
“There is no indication of any criminal activity involved,” Major Crimes Sgt. Troy Price said.
Based on the investigation, Price said it is likely that Mays died in one of the trucks that collects recycling, many of which are equipped with compactors, or at the recycling center, which has compactors and a machine with large rubber teeth that sorts the refuse.
Price said it is difficult to know where in the process Mays died.
“I would hesitate to make any guess at that right now,” he said. “Once we nail that down, if ever, then we can come up with a likely scenario.”
The incident, Price said, serves as a reminder to the public, especially the homeless population in Vancouver, of the dangers of getting inside dumpsters or recycling bins.
“Some people will take shelter inside of some of these recycling bins, some will use them as place to sleep,” he said. “It’s not really a safe place for people to be.”
