"The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has lost a dedicated biologist and the state has lost a skilled steward of wildlife resources with the death of Rocky Spencer yesterday.

The department is assisting state and local officials investigating the incident. Rocky reportedly died instantly Saturday afternoon after being struck by a helicopter rotor. He was in the area to capture wild bighorn sheep in the Yakima River canyon as part of a research project.

Rocky was highly skilled and passionately committed to wildlife fieldwork, particularly work with cougars. His advice and assistance helped residents and local communities, especially in suburban King County, co-exist with wildlife in a rapidly changing environment.  His countless contributions to the Department during his 29-year career will be long remembered, and he will be greatly missed."