Former Oregon Mayor’s Skeleton Identified on Western Washington Beach
After nearly two decades, the skeletal remains found in Grays Harbor County have been identified as those of Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher. The discovery was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local and forensic experts.
Breakthrough in Cold Case Identification
The Grays Harbor County Coroner’s Office, alongside the King County Medical Examiner’s Office and Othram, a forensic DNA company based in Texas, played key roles in solving this mystery. In November 2006, the remains were found on a beach in Taholah, part of the Quinault Indian Reservation. They were classified as Grays Harbor County John Doe (2006) after initial identification efforts failed.
DNA Analysis Methodology
In 2025, the remains were sent to Othram, where scientists employed Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing. This advanced technique provided a detailed DNA profile that was crucial for conducting a genetic genealogy search.
- Date of Remains Discovery: November 2006
- Location: Taholah, Quinault Indian Reservation
- Identification Confirmed: 2025
- Identified Individual: Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher
Background on Ed Asher
Born in 1934, Ed Asher was raised in Astoria, Oregon, and later moved to Fossil, Oregon, in 1952. He worked as a lineman for the Fossil Telephone Company until his retirement in 1995. In addition to his career, Asher opened Asher’s Variety Store in 1965 and served as the mayor of Fossil.
Before his identification, Asher had been declared legally dead in 2006 after going missing while crabbing in Tillamook Bay. He was 72 years old at the time of his passing.
Impact of Othram’s Technology
The identification of Ed Asher represents the 43rd case in Washington to successfully utilize Othram’s forensic technology. This achievement has been supported by critical funding from Governor Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and the Washington State Legislature.
This significant advancement highlights the potential of modern forensic science in resolving cold cases, providing closure to families and bringing justice to previously unidentified victims.
