The medical officer Kanemura has been unable to reach is, at that very moment, appearing on local television screens across Washington.
His photograph appears beside the news anchor as she begins reading the breaking report.
"Authorities in Spokane County are investigating what appears to be a fatal single-vehicle accident involving Dr. Gabriel Morales, a physician who is believed to be returning home after an overseas assignment."
Footage of a severely damaged vehicle lying partly submerged in the Spokane River appears beside her.
"The vehicle, believed to belong to Dr. Morales, is discovered earlier today after apparently leaving the roadway and crashing into the river. Search crews have yet to locate the doctor's body, and investigators believe he may have been carried downstream by the current."
The anchor glances briefly toward her notes before continuing.
