NOAA hired the Cascadia Research Group to tow the whale, and perform a necropsy.
© KOMONOAA hired the Cascadia Research Group to tow the whale, and perform a necropsy.
A research group is performing a necropsy on a gray whale after it was found dead near Vashon Island Tuesday morning, NOAA officials said.

Researchers say based off its markings, the deceased whale appears to be the same one who breached at the Ballard Locks on April 6.

The gray whale was found dead around 8 a.m. near Point Beals, west of Vashon Island. NOAA hired the Cascadia Research Group to tow the whale, and perform a necropsy.

The whale was very emaciated, and a juvenile. Researchers with the Cascadia Group say it's likely that the whale didn't get enough food last year to last through the migration fast. Gray whales typically fast for 3-to-4 months during migration to warmer climates during winter.

The necropsy will be performed Wednesday or Thursday, researchers said.