The gray whale, affectionately named 'Willapa Willy,' which had been spotted swimming 20 miles up Washington's Willapa River last week, was found dead on Saturday afternoon. Experts suggest hunger and a broader crisis for gray whales due to lack of food as likely causes.

A young gray whale, nicknamed 'Willapa Willy,' has been found dead after venturing 20 miles up a Washington state river. Experts suggest hunger was a likely reason for the whale's inland journey.