Patricia L. Colyer, 38, was reported missing by her boyfriend in Washington back in 1986
Authorities identified human remains discovered in Washington as belonging to a woman who disappeared nearly four decades ago.
Last May, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of human remains found in a wooded area near mile post 27, according to a statement from the department.
At the scene, the Chelan County Coroner’s Office collected a partial human skull.
Following the discovery, officials and detectives coordinated an extensive search of the surrounding area, assisted by Chelan County Search and Rescue volunteers and K-9 teams, but they found no additional remains or evidence.
Now, the King County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that the remains have been identified as belonging to Patricia L. Colyer, 38, who was last seen on July 4, 1986.
Her boyfriend reported her missing at the time, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.
Chelan County Coroner Earl Crowe said Colyer was identified through DNA analysis after one of her relatives submitted a sample more than 20 years ago.
Although deputies identified her remains, they cannot determine her cause of death because “only a partial cranium” was found. Instead, it’s listed as “undetermined.”
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The investigation has since been handed over to the Tacoma Police Department, which is continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding Colyer’s disappearance and death.
Authorities said there are currently “no leads or suspects,” but are asking anyone with information about Colyer’s case to come forward and contact the Tacoma Police Department.
The Tacoma Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for additional information on Tuesday, June 9.
