On Nov. 8, 2025, at approximately 12:55 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to Mad River Beach in Arcata for the report of a human body that had washed ashore.

Upon arrival, the deputies located the deceased body of an adult male.  No signs of physical trauma were observed. The Humboldt County Coroner responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

The Humboldt County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the human remains discovered as that of 33-year-old Corey Shannon-Johnson of  McKinleyville who was reported missing on Nov. 1, 2025.

Shannon-Johnson’s next of kin have been notified and an autopsy is scheduled for later today to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies to Shannon Johnson’s family during this difficult time. 

Receive HCSO news straight to your phone or email. Subscribe to news alerts at: humboldtsheriff.org/subscribe.