Remains of Woman Missing From Rainbow Gathering Identified

“We are thankful that we can help Marie’s family and friends work towards some closure on her disappearance.” said Undersheriff Dave Cox.“

Marie Hanson

(STEVENSON, Wash.) - Skeletal remains and jewelry located by searchers in the mountains of south Washington last week, have now been positively identified through dental records, as belonging to Marie Hanson, of South Lake Tahoe, California.

Marie Hanson, was last seen during the Rainbow Gathering in early July of this year, a peace gathering in the Skookum Meadows area of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

The discovery of her remains terminates an extensive ongoing search where other disappearances have occurred, though not with this outcome.

The 54-year old grandmother of two, reportedly attended the event in a spur-of-the moment opportunity, when it turned out that neighbors heading to the event had extra room in their car.

Until her disappearance, Marie had been taking care of her husband Billy, who is disabled. She had never attended the event before, or anything like it, according to media reports.

In a press release, Dave Cox, Undersheriff with the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office, said the investigation is ongoing as to the cause and manner of her death. Hanson’s family has been notified of the current status of this case.

“We are thankful that we can help Marie’s family and friends work towards some closure on her disappearance.” said Undersheriff Dave Cox.