SEATTLE – Human remains found in Olympic National Park more than 20 years ago have been identified as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., who was reported missing in 1998.
According to the National Park Service, a researcher found skeletal remains in a sleeping bag near the Sol Duc River drainage in 2000. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the remains were those of a man between 30 and 50 years old, and had been dead from six months to four years before he had been found.
Despite the efforts of forensics investigators, the identity of the man remained unknown for decades.
Human remains identified as missing Hawaii man
In 2024, forensics experts sent a DNA sample of the remains to Othram, which identified possible family connections by 2025.
Investigators contacted relatives in several states, including Hawaii. Family members explained that Serrao was originally from Hawaii, but had been in Washington before he went missing. The family lost contact with him in 1998.
What they’re saying:
Based on those interviews and DNA sample comparisons, the National Park Services identified the remains as Joseph Louis Serrao Jr.
“This case remained unresolved for nearly 30 years, but investigators never lost sight of the goal of identifying this individual and finding answers for his family,” said Debra Flowers, deputy chief of the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch. “I’m proud of the persistence and collaboration that made this identification possible, and I hope it brings some measure of closure to those who have spent so many years wondering what happened to Joseph.”
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Bellevue ‘OnlyFans house’ suspect charged with human trafficking
Human remains found in Chelan County, WA identified as woman missing since 1986
Phone-free WA schools? Governor Ferguson eyes new legislative priority
13-year-old-boy arrested in deadly shooting of Seattle teen
Report: Billionaire sports owner shows interest in Seattle Seahawks sale
Here’s where to watch World Cup games at all hours in Seattle
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.