Missing Man's Remains Identified in Klickitat County
By Cole Goodwin
White Salmon, WA, December 1, 2023 – The Klickitat County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) has announced the positive identification of human remains found in a wooded area near Bates Road in White Salmon on September 28, 2023. The remains have been identified as those of 41-year-old Gary A. Zosel, who went missing in late 2021.
The discovery of the remains by a local community member in September is what led to a comprehensive investigation involving the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team and KCSO.
Gary A. Zosel was last heard from on December 18, 2021, as confirmed by his mother, Sondra Lentz, who reported his disappearance to authorities. The absence of any communication from Zosel since then had left his family in a state of uncertainty. Sondra Lentz reached out to the Klickitat County Prosecutor/Coroner's Office earlier in October, initiating a crucial lead in the case.
The identification of Zosel's remains was a collaborative effort involving forensic pathologist Dr. Martha Burt of the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office, forensic anthropologist Dr. Andrew Seidel of the King County Medical Examiner's Office, and forensic odontologist Dr. Kyle Tanaka. The latter played a pivotal role, comparing Zosel's dental records to the remains, leading to the identification.
Sheriff Bob Songer expressed his gratitude to all the professionals who assisted Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson in this painstaking investigation. The collaboration of various experts and the use of advanced forensic techniques were vital in bringing some closure to this case.
While the identification marks a significant milestone, the KCSO continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Zosel's disappearance and death. Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson is leading the ongoing investigation and urges anyone with information about Gary A. Zosel's disappearance or death to come forward.
The Sheriff's Office stressed that they remain committed to uncovering the truth and providing closure for the family and the community.
Those with information can contact Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson at 1-509-773-4455 or via email at erika@klickitatcounty.org.
Press Release from Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office:
Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release from Sheriff Bob Songer
December 1, 2023
Human Remains Found on 9/28/2023 In Klickitat County have been Positively Identified
On September 28,2023, a citizen discovered skeletonized human remains in a wooded area near the 200 block of Bates Road, White Salmon.
A scene investigation was conducted by the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team.
At this time the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and the Klickitat County Prosecutor/Coroner are working to identify the decedent, and determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact KCSO Sgt. Erik Anderson at erika@klickitatcounty.org.
The Human remains were transported to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office for examination by a forensic pathologist.
On October 3rd, 2023, Sondra Lentz contacted the Klickitat County Prosecutor/Coroner’s Office. She informed the Prosecutor’s Office that her son, Gary A. Zosel, 41 years of age, disappeared on or about December 18, 2021 and at the time was living in the Snowden area of Klickitat County.
Klickitat County Sheriff’s Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson contacted Mrs. Sondra Lentz for a follow up interview. Mrs. Lentz informed Detective Anderson she last heard from son (Zosel) via text message on December 18th, 2021 at 0618 hours, in what was a routine message. She further informed Detective Anderson that she normally heard from him every couple of days, but she did not hear from him after he texted her on December 18th, 2021.
The Klickitat County Prosecutor’s Office was able to obtain dental charts and X-rays of Gary A. Zosel. These records were sent to the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, for evaluation by a forensic odontologist.
On November 29th, 2023, Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson was notified that the Human Remains were positively identified as Gary A. Zosel.
The identification was made through the assistance of the Klickitat County Coroner’s Office, forensic pathologist Dr. Martha Burt of the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office, forensic anthropologist Dr. Andrew Seidel of the King County Medical Examiner’s office, and forensic odontologist Dr. Kyle Tanaka, a consultant with the Washington State Patrol Missing/Unidentified Persons Unit.
I want to thank everyone involved that assisted Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson with the investigation that resulted in the Human Remains being positively identified as being Gary A. Zosel.
Klickitat County Sheriffs Office is requesting anyone who has information about Gary A. Zosel disappearance and or death, please contact Klickitat County Sheriff's Detective Sergeant Erik Anderson at 1-509-773-4455 or at his email address, erika@klickitatcounty.org,
