Remains found in Lake Washington identified as those of Mercer Island man missing for over 2 years

SEATTLE -- Remains found in Lake Washington have been identified as that of a Mercer Island man who vanished after he went out on his boat more than two years ago.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office said the remains were those of Richard Sweezey, 67, and that he drowned July 20, 2012. The manner of death is classified as an accident.

It's unclear when Sweezey's remains were found or how, although the medical examiner just issued the report.

The Seattle Times reported that police began an investigation after Sweezey's unoccupied boat was found grounded in Kirkland on July 20, 2012. Police found a portable generator running on the boat, the newspaper said.

After the investigation was called off, the Times said, Sweezey's friends and family raises tens of thousands of dollars for their own search of the lake, using sonar technology. But that search was unsuccessful.