Family and friends gathered at a Longview park on Friday night to honor the life of Hailey Athay, days after authorities confirmed that her remains had been discovered by hikers.
Athay, 33, had been missing for more than a year. The Cowlitz County coroner recently identified her remains after hikers found bones and clothing in a wooded area of Rose Valley. Search and rescue teams later returned to the site, recovering additional personal belongings and what officials described as nearly complete skeletal remains.
During the vigil, loved ones remembered Athay as someone who, despite her struggles, was deeply loved and cared for her family. Her mother shared that Athay “had a good heart” and still had much of her life ahead of her.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, and investigators say the case remains open.
As the community mourns, Athay’s family says their focus is now on seeking justice and understanding what led to her death.
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