Body identified as Post Falls man who had been missing

POST FALLS — The body found in the Spokane River in Post Falls on Monday afternoon was identified as Matthew Wallace, a 37-year-old Post Falls man who had been reported missing since May 31.

"He was located by a couple guys in a boat," Post Falls police Chief Pat Knight said. "They notified authorities and the Kootenai County Dive Rescue Team responded to recover his body."

Knight said there are no immediate signs of foul play. The Kootenai County Coroner's Office will determine the cause of death as soon as today, Knight said.

Wallace's body was found in the river near Greensferry Bay around 12:20 p.m. Dive team members arrived by boat to recover the body.

"We suspect his body has been in the water nearly the entire time he's been reported as missing," Knight said.

No evidence was found along the river despite extensive searches last week, Knight said.

"We combed that area from the day he was reported missing with individuals, dogs, drones and a helicopter from Spokane," Knight said, adding that detectives believed he could be near the river.

Knight said the police department thanks residents for allowing their properties to be searched during the missing case.

Wallace lived in the Riverside Harbor neighborhood off Woodland Drive near the river. His personal property, including his cell phone, identification and vehicles, were left at his home.

"The family can at least have some closure now, but that never makes it easier," Knight said.