(WFSB) – The remains of Pattie Wu-Murad, a Connecticut woman who went missing while hiking in Japan in April 2023, have been identified, her family confirmed on Saturday
Wu-Murad, a wife, mother, sister, and friend, disappeared on April 10, 2023, during a solo hiking trip in central Japan.
Despite an extensive international search effort involving American and Japanese search and rescue professionals, local law enforcement, the U.S. Embassy, the FBI, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, no trace of her was found in the months following her disappearance.
In September 2024, a fisherman discovered a backpack and hiking shoe belonging to Wu-Murad near a stream along a different trail than initially believed.
Japanese police searched the area, but no additional evidence was found at the time.
On April 27, 2025, a member of the U.S. search team, who had returned to Japan, located personal belongings and a femur near the same area.
The remains were turned over to local authorities, and DNA testing confirmed a match to Wu-Murad through comparison with her daughter’s DNA.
The family was notified of the remains being identified on May 9.
“Although we had tried to prepare ourselves for this outcome, the finality of this news is heartbreaking,” her family said in a statement. “It offers a measure of closure, but many questions remain unanswered, including the exact circumstances and cause of Pattie’s death.”
Efforts are now underway to transport her remains to the United States.
Wu-Murad’s disappearance prompted an outpouring of support from around the world.
Her family expressed gratitude to the international search teams, local volunteers, friends, and strangers who offered assistance, encouragement, and hope over the past two years.
“Pattie was an incredible woman whose love and friendship touched many lives,” the family said. “While we are devastated, we are also humbled by the global community that rallied to help find her. We will continue to honor her memory with love and gratitude in our hearts.”
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