Authorities in Washington state have confirmed that skeletal remains discovered by hikers in a wooded area of Rose Valley belong to a 33-year-old woman who had been missing since 2024, as reported by Fox News.
The remains were identified as Hailey E. Athay of Cowlitz County, who was last seen by family members in Kelso, Washington, in November 2024. She was officially reported missing in January 2025, according to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office.
The discovery was made on Sunday when two young men hiking in the area came across skeletal remains and clothing. The hikers notified authorities after making the find. A photograph of the remains was sent to a forensic anthropologist, who determined they were human.
The remains of Hailey Athay, a woman who disappeared over a year ago, were found by hikers in Washington, authorities said. https://t.co/JRd8gMut3s pic.twitter.com/7HCA9RZBTa
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) April 17, 2026
The following day, the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office worked with the sheriff’s office and multiple search and rescue teams to organize a more extensive search of the area. One of the hikers who initially found the remains guided authorities back to the location, where nearly complete skeletal remains were recovered along with additional clothing and personal belongings.
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Officials said the remains were located within an area previously identified by a detective as a point of interest in Athay’s disappearance. That designation had been based on prior investigative work and interviews conducted during the missing persons case.
Investigators noted that earlier search efforts had taken place near the same area but did not yield any evidence at the time.
On Tuesday, a forensic odontologist examined the recovered skull and compared dental features with Athay’s records. Authorities confirmed a match, positively identifying the remains.
Body of woman missing since 2024 has been discovered
Skeletal remains found in a wooded area of Washington have been identified as 33-year-old Hailey Athay, who had been missing since November 2024.She was last known to be going mushroom picking with a man before her… pic.twitter.com/8R7TT5RAYE— True Crime Belieber (@TrueCrimeBelieb) April 18, 2026
Officials said the cause and manner of Athay’s death remain under investigation. A forensic anthropologist is expected to conduct further analysis as part of the ongoing inquiry.
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Law enforcement has not indicated whether any suspects have been identified in connection with Athay’s disappearance. Authorities have also not confirmed whether foul play is suspected.
Additional details surrounding Athay’s final known movements have been referenced during the investigation. According to local reporting cited by the sheriff’s office, a friend said Athay had planned to go mushroom picking with a man before she disappeared.
Athay’s mother, Nicole Brooks, told local outlet KPTV that her daughter was a mother of three daughters.
The case remains open as investigators continue to gather information and analyze evidence connected to the discovery in Rose Valley.
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