Human remains found in sleeping bag in Olympic National Park 26 years ago finally identified

Published June 11, 2026 4:56pm ET | Updated June 11, 2026 4:56pm ET



A decades-old mystery in Washington state’s Olympic National Park has finally been solved after advances in DNA technology helped to discover human remains found 26 years ago.

The remains, identified as those of Joseph Louis Serrao Jr., were found inside a sleeping bag in a tent in a remote area along the Sol Duc River drainage, according to the National Park Service. Also found were binoculars, a day hiker pack, a shoulder bag, a folding saw, a blanket, and winter gear, according to a statement from DNA Solves.

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