Human remains discovered on the Washington State coastline in 2008 have been identified as belonging to Jeffrey Surtel, a 17-year-old who went missing from Mission, B.C., in 2007.
Surtel was reported missing on April 29, 2007, after his family woke to find he had left home on his bicycle during the night, leaving most of his belongings behind.
His disappearance was considered out of character, prompting an immediate investigation by Mission RCMP.
Extensive searches of the area, including the Fraser River, as well as tips from across British Columbia, yielded no trace of the teen.
A year later, in August 2008, human remains washed ashore on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office conducted DNA analysis, comparing it against multiple U.S. databases, but found no matches.
In 2024, the Sheriff’s Office raised funds through crowdfunding and sent the DNA for advanced forensic genetic genealogy testing at a Texas-based private lab in early 2025.
The results linked the DNA to an extended family member of Surtel.
Further collaboration with Mission RCMP and the B.C. Coroners Service confirmed the remains belonged to the missing teen. His family was notified last week.
“Our hearts go out to Jeffrey’s family and friends, as they learn of this news,” said Inspector Ted Lewko, Officer in Charge of the Mission RCMP.
“We hope that this update helps to bring them some closure to what has surely been an unimaginable 18 years of wondering what happened.”
Surtel’s family expressed deep appreciation for those who aided in the search, particularly his classmates and teachers from Hatzic Secondary School, as well as the many community members who participated in search efforts.
Authorities on both sides of the border have found no evidence of criminal activity, though the circumstances surrounding Surtel’s disappearance and death remain unknown.