Authorities have launched a Major Crimes investigation following the discovery of a body at an encampment fire in the White Center area on Monday morning.

Emergency personnel responded at approximately 9:30 a.m. on October 19, 2026, after receiving reports of an illegal burn in the White Center Pond Natural Area. The site of the fire, located between 12th Avenue Southwest and 13th Avenue Southwest, appeared to be set up as a homeless encampment.

Firefighters successfully extinguished the flames at the scene. Upon putting out the fire, crews discovered a deceased individual located nearby.

The King County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit was called to the scene and has taken charge of the death investigation. Detectives are currently gathering evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the individual's death.

The victim's identity has not yet been released. The King County Medical Examiner's Office is conducting an autopsy to determine both the cause and manner of death.

As of Tuesday, law enforcement officials confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified. The investigation remains open and ongoing.