Human remains found in a Florida canal two years ago have been identified as belonging to Rose Marie Gayhart, a woman who disappeared mysteriously in 1985. Kayakers discovered the remains in May 2024 in a canal in northeastern Cape Coral, as reported by the Cape Coral Police Department. Investigators confirmed the identity of the remains in May, using DNA samples provided by Gayhart’s family. This confirmation has opened a homicide investigation into her death.

The Cape Coral Police Department collaborated with a local medical examiner’s office and a sheriff’s office in New York, Gayhart’s original home state, to verify the identity. Chief Anthony Sizemore of the Cape Coral Police emphasized the department’s commitment: “No matter how much time passes, our investigations do not stop and our pursuit of justice does not end. This is now considered an active homicide investigation, and we are committed to following every lead.” He urged anyone with information to contact the police department to help bring closure to the case and the family.

Back in 1985, Gayhart’s disappearance was reported by her parents, who were living in Danville, New York. At the time, Gayhart was residing and working in the Cape Coral and North Fort Myers area. Reports indicate she was last seen at the Cape Coral restaurant, previously known as Big Howie’s Hot Dogs, where she was employed. Her living situation involved sharing a trailer park home in North Fort Myers with her boyfriend and his mother.

Laurie Travis, Gayhart’s sister, spent decades searching for what might have happened to her sister. In a 2017 interview with CBS affiliate WINK, she expressed her continued concern, stating, “It doesn’t get better, we just get through it.” Travis mentioned Gayhart was “really happy” and had invited her to visit Florida shortly before her disappearance.

Travis also shared her suspicions about Gayhart’s fate, saying, “I think she was murdered,” and noted neighbors at the time reported frequent loud disturbances at the trailer park.