The ocean relinquished a secret nearly two decades after it claimed a life. Human remains, discovered on a desolate Washington beach in November 2006, have finally been identified as those of Clarence Edwin “Ed” Asher, a former mayor of Fossil, Oregon.
Asher, 72 years old at the time, vanished while crabbing in Tillamook Bay just two months prior to the discovery. Authorities initially presumed he had drowned, a tragic end to a quiet pastime, and he was legally declared deceased. But the mystery of his final resting place lingered.
For years, the remains remained unidentified, known only as “Grays Harbor County John Doe.” Despite diligent efforts by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office, the investigation stalled, leaving a haunting question unanswered: who was this man washed ashore by the relentless tide?
The case experienced a remarkable rebirth in 2025. A renewed push sent forensic evidence to a specialized laboratory in Texas, where scientists embarked on a painstaking process of DNA extraction and genetic profiling.
The breakthrough came through the power of genetic genealogy – a cutting-edge technique that compared the extracted DNA profile against samples from Asher’s living relatives. It was a digital search for family, spanning years and miles, finally connecting the unknown remains to a name and a past.
This identification marks the 43rd successful case solved in Washington State alone using this revolutionary technology. The science, pioneered by a dedicated team, is rewriting the rules of cold case investigations, offering closure where once there was only uncertainty.
Now, officials are appealing to a wider network of potential matches. They are encouraging individuals who have submitted their DNA to consumer testing services, like those offered by popular genealogy companies, to contribute their data to public databases like DNASolves.
Each additional profile added to these databases expands the possibilities for future identifications. It’s a collective effort, a chance for ordinary citizens to play a vital role in bringing resolution to families and solving long-forgotten mysteries.
While the potential for good is immense, the use of genetic genealogy isn’t without its complexities. Concerns regarding privacy, both for those who submit their DNA and their relatives, remain a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.
Yet, the story of Ed Asher serves as a powerful testament to the enduring hope that even after years of silence, the truth can emerge. The ocean gave up its secret, and a family finally has a measure of peace, thanks to the relentless pursuit of justice and the remarkable advancements in forensic science.
