HARNEY COUNTY, Ore. — The Harney County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that remains discovered by volunteer searchers have been positively identified as those of Kaylee Birt, a woman who had been missing since April 4.
Birt, 32, was traveling from Klamath Falls to Iowa when she was last seen leaving the Fields Store in Southern Harney County, a rural area in southeastern Oregon. Her disappearance prompted an immediate search, which led to the discovery of her vehicle in a remote part of Southern Harney County the following day. The car was found abandoned and empty, fueling concerns about her safety.
Despite efforts by law enforcement, including an official search by the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, the search was suspended on April 10. At that point, volunteer search teams took over, continuing to comb the area for any signs of Birt. It was one of these dedicated volunteers who discovered the remains that have now been confirmed as Birt’s.
No official cause of death has been released by the Harney County Sheriff’s Office, and investigations are ongoing. As of now, authorities have not disclosed any further details about the circumstances surrounding her death.
The community, particularly those who were involved in the search efforts, has expressed their condolences to Birt’s family during this difficult time. While this discovery brings some closure to the search, it has left many questions unanswered, as investigators continue to look into the circumstances of her death.
Birt’s family has yet to make an official statement, and the sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, the community remains hopeful that further details will emerge to provide clarity on this tragic event.