Spike, the tiny and thin pup who entertained and educated many people during his brief time on West Seattle beaches, has been found dead. His body was found by an Alki resident early this morning high on the beach amid debris near the lighthouse. A Seal Sitters volunteer responded to the beach, recovered the body and delivered him to WDFW’s marine mammal research biologist. A necropsy will be performed on Spike, who was confirmed to be male.

Spike was not seen anywhere on the beaches yesterday, but it could be that the high wind and waves from late yesterday afternoon were just too much for this small, weakened pup. We will keep you posted with updates as we receive the medical findings.