Remains of Washington woman missing since 1986 identified after DNA match

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 nearly 40 years ago. Collier was last seen in July 1986 at age 38, and her boyfriend reported her missing at the time.

The identification was announced in a joint statement by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials said the match was made through DNA testing, using a sample provided by a family member more than 20 years ago.

At the discovery site, investigators recovered only part of a skull. Search teams, including K-9 units, later scanned the area but found no additional evidence or remains. Because of that, the cause of death has been listed as unknown.

The case has been handed over to Tacoma Police, which is continuing to investigate both Collier’s disappearance and her death. Authorities said there are currently no leads and no suspects, and they urged anyone with information to contact Tacoma Police.