Remains of Missing Washington Mother Hailey Athay Found Over a Year Later

Hikers discover skeletal remains in remote Kelso area, providing closure for family after tragic disappearance.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single human bone partially obscured by dirt and leaves, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the discovery of evidence in a missing persons case.The grim discovery of Hailey Athay's remains in a remote area exposes the harsh realities of unsolved missing persons cases.Kelso Today

The skeletal remains of Hailey Athay, a 33-year-old mother of three who went missing in Washington state over a year ago, were discovered by hikers in a remote area of Kelso. Athay was last seen in November 2024 telling her mother she was going mushroom picking with an unknown man, before disappearing. Authorities have confirmed the remains through dental records, but the cause and manner of Athay's death remain under investigation.

Why it matters

Athay's disappearance and the eventual discovery of her remains have left her family and community devastated, raising questions about her final days and the circumstances surrounding her death. The case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those involving foul play in remote areas.

The details

On April 12, 2026, a pair of hikers stumbled upon bones and clothing in a remote area north of the Oregon border near Kelso, Washington. After authorities were notified, a search party was organized the next day and additional skeletal remains, clothing, and personal belongings were recovered from the site. Forensic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Hailey Athay, who had been reported missing by her family in January 2025, over a month after she was last heard from.

  • Hailey Athay was last seen by her mother in late November 2024, when she said she was going mushroom picking with an unknown man.
  • Athay was reported missing by her family in January 2025.
  • Athay's skeletal remains were discovered by hikers on April 12, 2026.
  • Authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Athay through dental records on April 13, 2026.

The players

Hailey Athay

A 33-year-old mother of three who went missing in Washington state in late 2024 and whose remains were discovered over a year later.

Nicole Brooks

Hailey Athay's mother, who last spoke to her daughter before her disappearance.

Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated Athay's disappearance and confirmed the identity of the remains found by hikers.

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What they’re saying

“I can hear her—'Hi, Mama'—and it just breaks my heart that I won't hear that again.”

— Nicole Brooks, Hailey Athay's mother

“It's not that it was unexpected that this would be the outcome, but it certainly isn't what we wanted in our hearts. It was a nightmare. It was just a nightmare. You don't know, and you hold out hope—and the longer it goes, the harder it is.”

— Nicole Brooks, Hailey Athay's mother

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hailey Athay's disappearance and death, with no criminal charges announced at this time.

The takeaway

The tragic case of Hailey Athay's disappearance and the eventual discovery of her remains highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially those involving foul play in remote areas. Athay's family is now left to grieve and seek closure, while the community grapples with the loss of a young mother.