Former Oregon Mayor's Skeleton Found on Washington Shore, Confirmed 20 Years After Vanishing

A once-missing mayor from Oregon has finally been identified, two decades after his mysterious disappearance, thanks to forensic advancements.

Edwin Asher was last seen alive in 2006 when it was feared he perished while crabbing in Tillamook Bay, Oregon. Later that same year, in November, skeletal remains were unearthed on a beach within the Quinault Indian Reservation in Grays Harbor County, Washington.

Initial investigations by the local sheriff and coroner determined the remains were those of an adult male, approximately aged between 20 and 60. Basic characteristics, such as a height of 5 feet 9 inches and weight between 170 and 180 pounds, were established, but his identity remained a mystery, leading to the temporary designation 'Grays Harbor County John Doe (2006).'

In 2025, a new investigation began with the assistance of Othram, a forensic laboratory. Using DNA analysis and genealogical techniques, they traced familial links in the DNA, ultimately verifying the remains belonged to Asher.

Edwin Asher's absence was first noted by his wife in September 2006, who alerted authorities when he failed to return from a solo fishing excursion. Search operations by the Coast Guard located his vessel but uncovered no other traces of the then 72-year-old Fossil resident.

Reports from The Astorian highlighted that Asher customarily ventured out without a life jacket and was not a swimmer, hinting at a tragic accident overboard.

Asher's story started in 1952, when he settled in Fossil with his first spouse. His community involvement included running Asher's Variety Store since 1965, and contributing as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance driver. His legacy includes three biological children and six stepchildren from his three marriages.