Remains of Missing Texas Woman Identified After 3 Years

Lauren Elizabeth Thompson, who went missing in 2019, was found dead in Panola County

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Officials have announced that the remains found in Panola County, Texas in July 2022 have been positively identified as those of Lauren Elizabeth Thompson, who went missing in January 2019 at the age of 32. The cause of Thompson's death is still under investigation, but her family has been notified of the tragic development in the case.

Why it matters

Thompson's disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains have left her family and community searching for answers and closure. This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those involving remote or wooded areas.

The details

According to reports, Thompson called 911 on the night of January 10, 2019, saying she believed she was being followed while in a wooded area. Her call was cut short when her cell phone died, and she has not been heard from since. Her car was later found in a ditch off a rural road, but a search at the time yielded no results. In July 2022, a work crew in Panola County discovered skeletal remains, which have now been confirmed to belong to Thompson.

  • On January 10, 2019, Lauren Elizabeth Thompson went missing at the age of 32.
  • In July 2022, a work crew in Panola County, Texas discovered skeletal remains.
  • On December 13, 2022, officials announced that the remains had been positively identified as those of Lauren Elizabeth Thompson.

The players

Lauren Elizabeth Thompson

A 32-year-old woman who went missing from the Rock Hill community in Panola County, Texas in January 2019.

Torie Colvin

Lauren Elizabeth Thompson's mother, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas and is caring for Thompson's three children.

Kevin Lake

The sheriff of Panola County, Texas, who provided updates on the investigation into Thompson's disappearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“One person she was with told us they had been in the area, reportedly fishing. He said he then told her he was going to walk to his house to get a vehicle to get them out of the mud, but then she took off running into the woods.”

— Sheriff Kevin Lake (KETK)

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of Lauren Elizabeth Thompson's death, and the case remains an active investigation.

The takeaway

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of thorough and persistent investigations into missing persons cases, even years after an individual's disappearance. The discovery of Thompson's remains provides some closure for her family, but also raises new questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.