Human remains found Sept. 23 in western Skamania County have been identified as those belonging to a man missing since 1980, according to a bulletin from the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office.
Kenneth P. Stovner, 39, was reported missing in mid-April of 1980 from his house on Belle Center Road in Washougal, according to the bulletin. Detectives thoroughly searched the area around his house but found no clues about Stover’s whereabouts at the time.
Stovner’s remains were found about a half mile west of his former home in a heavily wooded and brushy area. A landowner clearing the area located what he believed to be human remains. A four-day search of the surrounding area helped detectives identify the remains.
Pacific Crest Search Dogs and Multnomah County, Cowlitz County, Clark County, Wind River, Silver Star, and Pacific Northwest search and rescue teams assisted with the investigation.
The cause of death has not been determined. Skamania County detectives are investigating this incident.
