Skeletal Remains Found in Washington Woods Identified as Missing Woman

Hailey E. Athay, 33, disappeared in 2024 after going mushroom picking with a man

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:40am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bone fragment found at the crime scene, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The grim discovery of skeletal remains in the Washington woods has reignited the investigation into Hailey Athay's mysterious 2024 disappearance.Kelso Today

Washington state authorities have confirmed that skeletal remains found by hikers in a wooded area of Rose Valley belong to Hailey E. Athay, a 33-year-old woman who went missing in November 2024. Athay's remains were identified through dental records, but the cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially when there are limited leads or evidence. The discovery of Athay's remains may provide some closure for her family, but also raises new questions about what happened to her and whether foul play was involved.

The details

Two young men hiking in the woods on Sunday discovered the skeletal remains and clothing, which were then examined by a forensic anthropologist who confirmed they were human. A search party led by one of the hikers recovered nearly complete skeletal remains as well as personal belongings. Athay was last seen by her family in Kelso, Washington in November 2024 and was reported missing in January 2025 after going mushroom picking with a man.

  • Athay was last seen by her family in Kelso, Washington in November 2024.
  • Athay was reported missing in January 2025.
  • Hikers discovered the skeletal remains on Sunday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Hailey E. Athay

A 33-year-old woman who went missing in November 2024 after going mushroom picking with a man.

Nicole Brooks

Athay's mother, who said Athay was a mother of three daughters.

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What they’re saying

“Athay was a mother of three daughters.”

— Nicole Brooks, Athay's mother

What’s next

Officials said Athay's cause and manner of death remain under investigation pending an analysis by a forensic anthropologist.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving missing persons cases, especially when there are limited leads or evidence. The discovery of Athay's remains may provide some closure for her family, but also raises new questions about what happened to her and whether foul play was involved.