Skeleton found on western Washington beach identified as former Oregon mayor
KOMO • • nation
Key Points:
- After nearly 20 years, the skeletal remains found in Grays Harbor County in 2006 have been identified as Clarence Edwin "Ed" Asher, born in 1934.
- The identification was achieved through collaboration between the Grays Harbor County Coroner's Office, King County Medical Examiner's Office, and Texas-based forensic DNA company Othram using advanced forensic DNA sequencing and genetic genealogy.
- Ed Asher was declared legally dead in 2006 after being presumed drowned while crabbing; he was a former lineman, store owner, and mayor in Oregon.
- This case marks the 43rd successful identification in Washington using Othram’s forensic technology, supported by funding from state officials including Gov. Ferguson and
