Human remains discovered by hikers in a remote area of Kelso, Washington, have been positively identified as those of Hailey Athay, a 33-year-old mother reported missing over a year ago. The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office confirmed the identification on April 16, 2026, following an autopsy by the county coroner.
Athay was last seen on March 8, 2025. The sheriff's office stated that two hikers found the remains on Sunday, April 13, 2026, in a wooded area off a logging road. The discovery was made near the 1600 block of Baird Road, according to official reports.
Authorities have not released a cause of death, stating the investigation is ongoing. The sheriff's office expressed condolences to Athay's family and thanked the public for their assistance during the search. No further details about the circumstances of her disappearance or death have been disclosed.
