Human remains identified nearly 40 years after Washington woman vanished
Authorities in Washington state have identified human remains found in May in a wooded area of Chelan County as those of Patricia L. Collier, who disappeared in July 1986 at age 38. The identification was announced by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to the statement, Collier was last seen in July 1986, and her boyfriend reported her missing at the time. The remains were identified through DNA testing, using a sample provided by a family member more than 20 years ago.
Investigators recovered only part of a skull at the site. Search teams, including dogs, later scanned the area but found no additional remains or evidence. Because of that, the cause of death has been listed as unknown.
The case has now been handed to Tacoma police, which is continuing to investigate both Collier’s disappearance and her death. Officials said there are currently no leads and no suspects, and urged anyone with information to contact Tacoma police.
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