Skeletal remains found on Washington beach identified as former Oregon mayor who vanished in 2006

January 14, 2026

TL;DR

Former Oregon mayor Edwin Asher's remains were identified 20 years after his disappearance.
Asher was presumed to have drowned in Tillamook Bay, Oregon, in 2006 while crabbing.
Skeletal remains of an unidentified man were found on a beach in Grays Harbor County, Washington, in November 2006.
The remains were identified in 2025 by Othram using DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy.
Asher, 72, was reported missing by his wife after failing to return from a fishing trip; his boat was found, but no sign of him.
Officials suspected Asher may have fallen overboard as he did not typically wear a life vest and could not swim.
Asher had served as the mayor of Fossil, Oregon, and owned a variety store.

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