The skeletal remains discovered on a beach in Washington have been identified as those of Edwin Asher, a former mayor from Oregon. The identification marks a significant development in a case that has remained unsolved for nearly two decades.
Skeletal Remains Identified as Missing Oregon Mayor
In 2006, Edwin Asher was reported missing after he failed to return from a crabbing trip in Tillamook Bay, Oregon. He was 72 years old at the time of his disappearance. After an extensive search by Coast Guard crews, Asher’s boat was located, but there were no signs of him. His wife informed authorities that he typically did not wear a life vest and was unable to swim, leading officials to believe he may have fallen overboard.
Discovery of Remains
In November 2006, the skeletal remains of an unidentified male were found on a beach within the Quinault reservation in Grays Harbor County, Washington. The remains belonged to an adult man estimated to be between 20 and 60 years old, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing between 170 and 180 pounds. Despite initial investigations by the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office, the man remained unidentified and was dubbed “Grays Harbor County John Doe (2006).”
Investigation and Identification Process
Fast forward to 2025, investigators revisited the cold case and collaborated with Othram Inc., a forensic laboratory proficient in DNA testing. Advanced techniques, including investigative genetic genealogy, were employed to analyze the remains. This method compares the DNA of unidentified remains to that of potential relatives to establish identity.
Through meticulous efforts, scientists were able to confirm that the remains belonged to Edwin Asher, bringing closure to a case that had puzzled authorities for years.
Edwin Asher’s Legacy
Born in 1934, Asher moved to Fossil, Oregon, in 1952 with his first wife. He eventually served as the city’s mayor and established Asher’s Variety Store in 1965. Alongside his business ventures, he actively volunteered as a fireman and ambulance driver in the community. Asher is survived by three biological children and six stepchildren from three marriages.
This identification not only sheds light on a long-missing person but also highlights the advancements in forensic science that facilitate solving cold cases. The resolution of Edwin Asher’s disappearance serves as a poignant reminder of the impact such losses have on families and communities.
