News Release

Human Remains Found in Remote Area of Olympic National Park

Date: August 13, 2018
Contact: Penny Wagner, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, WA: Late Friday afternoon, August 10, a field crew of park employees and volunteers found abandoned outdoor recreation equipment and clothing in a very remote area in the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness of Olympic National Park. The clothing and equipment matched the description of items related to missing 22-year old Jacob Gray of Port Townsend, WA.

Early Saturday morning, a team of park law enforcement rangers were sent to conduct a detailed search of the area. During their search, the team found additional clothing and human skeletal remains. The remains are being transferred to the local medical examiner’s office for positive identification. Until then, no further information is available.

This is an active investigation and once it is complete more details will be released.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the Gray family and friends in this difficult time,” said Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.

Gray left home on the evening of April 5, 2017. On the afternoon of April 6, Gray’s unattended bicycle and gear were found on the side of Sol Duc Road. Law enforcement rangers conducted a hasty search of the area which included the Sol Duc River bank. Larger interagency search efforts focused on the river corridor turned up no indication of his whereabouts.