Authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered on March 23, 2025, in rural Washakie County belong to Breanna Mitchell, a Worland woman who had been missing since July 2023.
Mitchell, who was 28 at the time of her disappearance, was last seen after her vehicle was found stuck on a rugged, two-track road southeast of Worland. She was identified through dental records provided by her dentist, Washakie County Sheriff Austin Brookwell announced on Monday night. Her remains were discovered about 1.05 miles away from where her car had been abandoned, in an area with steep hills, ravines, and thick sagebrush, which had complicated search efforts.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death, and the case remains under investigation. Washakie County Coroner Jeff Lapp is expected to release further details once a full report is completed.
Sheriff Brookwell acknowledged the grief and uncertainty that Mitchell’s family and friends have endured.
“While this identification may bring some measure of closure, we remain committed to seeking answers if new information comes to light,” he stated.
He also thanked law enforcement officials, Washakie County Search and Rescue, and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to the search.
Mitchell’s disappearance prompted an extensive search operation, involving over 20 volunteers, the Civil Air Patrol, and a Guardian Flight Helicopter. A bloodhound crew from Fremont County also assisted.
Despite these efforts, only a shirt and a shoe were found during the initial searches. Her remains were ultimately discovered nearly two years later by a Wyoming Game and Fish warden conducting routine fieldwork.
Following the announcement of her identification, friends and loved ones took to social media to express their condolences. Many remembered Mitchell as a kind and loving person, and some called for justice should her death be determined to involve foul play.
“She was such a sweet woman,” one commenter wrote. “Praying for peace for all of us who knew and loved her.”
Mitchell was one of 81 missing persons in Wyoming, dating back to 1974, listed in the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation’s database.
Desirée Tinoco, founder of Missing People of Wyoming, noted that finding missing persons in Wyoming’s vast and rugged terrain is often like searching for a needle in a haystack.
“A lot of families will never find their loved ones or get answers,” she said. “While this is tragic, at least her family has some measure of relief in knowing she has been found.”
Authorities continue to urge patience as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s death. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
With input from Oil City News and Cowboy State Daily.
