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Only 4 missing in Washington State mudslide as medical examiner identifies more bodies

The confirmed death toll from the Oso, Wash., mudslide stood at 39 as authorities announced three more bodies had been identified.

By Frances Burns
An aerial view shows the site of the mudslide on March 27, 2014 in Oso, Washington. Over 200 search and rescue personnel continue to search for survivors or bodies in the aftermath of Saturday's mudslide that buried the town of Oso, about 12 miles west of Darrington. As of Thursday, there are 25 dead and 90 missing. UPI/Ted Warren/Pool
An aerial view shows the site of the mudslide on March 27, 2014 in Oso, Washington. Over 200 search and rescue personnel continue to search for survivors or bodies in the aftermath of Saturday's mudslide that buried the town of Oso, about 12 miles west of Darrington. As of Thursday, there are 25 dead and 90 missing. UPI/Ted Warren/Pool | License Photo

EVERETT, Wash., April 17 (UPI) -- Only four people remained missing Thursday from the deadly Washington State mudslide as authorities announced three more bodies had been identified.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office said the confirmed death toll remained at 39. The three identified were Wyatt Ruthven, 4, Sandra K. Miller, 54, and Ronald P. Dequilettes, 52.

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Those still listed as missing by the county Sheriff's Office are Steve and Theresa Harris, 52 and 53, Steven N. Hadaway, 53, and Molly Kristine "Kris" Regelbrugge, 44. All lived in the area in Oso, Washington, buried by the slide March 22.

The body of Christopher Dombrowski, nephew of Theresa and Steve Harris, was found Tuesday in Capitol State Forest, dead in an apparent suicide. Dombrowski, 30, had taken a leave from the U.S. Army to help look for his aunt and uncle.

Scores of people were listed as unaccounted for in the days immediately after the mudslide. The number of dead now appears likely to be 43.

Washington is in the midst of a week of official mourning with flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff until next Tuesday. President Obama is expected to visit the slide area that day for the first time.

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