Skeletal Remains of Missing Washington Woman Found in Woods

Hailey Athay's remains identified nearly 1.5 years after her disappearance

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single human bone fragment, such as a finger bone or vertebra, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, emphasizing the texture and details of the bone material to create a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The grim discovery of skeletal remains in a remote Washington forest has reignited the investigation into a woman's mysterious disappearance over a year ago.Kelso Today

Authorities in Washington state have confirmed that skeletal remains found by hikers in Rose Valley belong to Hailey E. Athay, a 33-year-old woman who went missing in November 2024. Athay's remains were discovered over a year later, sparking an investigation into her cause and manner of death.

Why it matters

Athay's disappearance and the discovery of her remains have raised concerns about public safety in the rural Rose Valley area, as well as questions about the progress of the investigation into her case. Her family and community are seeking answers and closure after her tragic death.

The details

Two young men hiking in Rose Valley on Sunday discovered skeletal remains and clothing, which were confirmed by a forensic anthropologist to be human. Search and rescue teams conducted an organized search the next day and found nearly complete skeletal remains, as well as personal belongings. The location matched an area of interest identified by a detective investigating Athay's disappearance in 2024. A forensic odontologist later confirmed the remains belonged to Athay.

  • Hailey 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.
  • Authorities confirmed the remains belonged to Athay on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Hailey E. Athay

A 33-year-old woman from Cowlitz County, Washington who went missing in November 2024 and whose skeletal remains were discovered over a year later.

Nicole Brooks

Hailey Athay's mother, who stated that Athay was a mother of three daughters.

Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that coordinated the search and investigation into Athay's disappearance and the discovery of her remains.

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What they’re saying

“Hailey was a mother of three daughters.”

— Nicole Brooks, Hailey Athay's mother

What’s next

The Cowlitz County Coroner's Office and forensic anthropologist are continuing to investigate the cause and manner of Hailey Athay's death. Authorities have not indicated if any suspects have been identified or if foul play is suspected.

The takeaway

The discovery of Hailey Athay's remains over a year after her disappearance has left her family and community seeking answers and closure. This tragic case highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations, especially in remote areas, and the importance of persistent efforts to provide families with answers.