CHELAN COUNTY, Wash – A 40-year-old mystery in Washington is at least partially solved, with the discovery of human remains in Chelan County.
Someone found a partial human skull in the woods near Entiat River Road in May 2025.
No other bones were found and there was no other evidence recovered.
Chelan County sent the skull to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office to be examined by the state forensic anthropologist.
Because of a DNA sample submitted more than 20 years ago, the remains were positively identified as Patricia L. Coyler, who was last seen on July 4, 1986 in the Tacoma area. It was a week before her 38th birthday.
Her cause of death can’t be determined. Chelan County turned over the investigation to Tacoma Police.
Anyone with information about Coyler’s disappearance should contact Tacoma Police.
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