STEVENSON, Wash. (AP) — The Skamania County, Wash., sheriff’s office says skeletal remains found in an area of the Gifford Pinchot (PIN’-cho) National Forest where a California woman was last seen during a summer peace rally have been identified by dental records.
Undersheriff Dave Cox said Monday the remains are indeed those of Marie Hanson.
Cox says an investigation into the cause and manner of her death continues.
The 54-year-old South Lake Tahoe, Calif., woman’s family reported her missing July 9.
Hanson made a spur-of-the-moment decision to travel with neighbors to the annual gathering of the Rainbow Family of Living Light. Arising from the 1960s counterculture movement, the Rainbow Family is a loose gathering of peace activists who come together each July in a national forest. The weeklong event culminates July 4 with a circle to pray for world peace.
The grandmother of two had never before attended the event.
