The man found dead inside his overturned pickup truck in Cook Creek, north of Satsop, early Saturday morning has been identified as Maxwell Belknap, 27, of Elma, said County Coroner Lane Youmans.

“An autopsy was conducted yesterday (Sunday), and the forensic pathologist concluded that the cause of death was due to drowning,” said Youmans.

According to Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Shumate, deputies responded to a report of a white-colored Ford pickup found off the East Satsop Road just after 2 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival at the location just a few minutes later, deputies discovered the vehicle in Cook Creek, about 5 miles north of Satsop, on the west side of the roadway. The Ford Ranger was on its top and more than half submerged in the creek.

Belknap’s body was discovered and removed from the vehicle. Shumate said the 911 caller who reported the vehicle did not see the accident occur, coming upon the scene after the fact. Shumate added there was no sign of any other occupants.

While the cause of death has been made public by the coroner, deputies are still investigating the cause of the accident itself, said Shumate.

Belknap worked at Green Freedom Farms, a marijuana-growing business on the Monte-Elma Road near the Oaksridge golf course. The company published the following statement on its Facebook page Monday morning:

“Last weekend, we lost a dear friend, coworker, and employee. Max was an inspiration to so many with his smiling face, willingness to help, and infectiously positive attitude. While we only had a short amount of time with Max, he had a profound impact on everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. It’s with a very heavy heart that we say good-bye to Max Belknap. I’m proud to have had you as a friend — you will be missed!”