Dan Toya's dog found dead in Potholes Reservoir

MOSES LAKE – The dog owned by missing Moses Lake resident Dan Toya was found dead in Potholes Reservoir Sunday afternoon.

Toya, 64, went missing Dec. 23 after taking his golden retriever, Molly, to a local veterinarian. He then reportedly took the dog for a walk near Samson’s Beach along the north shore of Potholes Reservoir, where his pickup truck was found later that day, locked and undisturbed.

Searches over the past three months by land, air and water have yielded no clues as to the whereabouts of Toya or the dog.

But at about 1 p.m. yesterday, a friend of Toya’s was walking along Samson’s Beach when he discovered the body of a golden retriever floating in the water. The dog’s body was recovered, and a scan of an imbedded microchip confirmed the dog is Molly, according to Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones.

At this time there is still no sign of Toya.

“I am saddened by this turn of events, and I will continue to pray for Dan’s family and friends,” stated Jones.

Anyone with possible information about the disappearance of Dan Toya is asked to call Detectives Kyle Cox or Kim Cook at 509-754-2011 ext. 468 or send information to [email protected].

Tipsters can remain anonymous.