Remains found by kayakers identified as woman missing since 1985

Human remains discovered in a Florida canal two years ago have been identified as those of Rose Marie Gayhart, a woman who vanished in 1985. Kayakers found the remains in May 2024 in a canal in northeastern Cape Coral, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

“

While this identification brings long-awaited answers, it also strengthens our resolve. No matter how much time passes, even after four decades, 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.

Investigators confirmed the remains belonged to Gayhart, who was 23 when she disappeared. Her death is now being investigated as a homicide. The police department's violent crimes unit collaborated with a medical examiner's office and a sheriff's office in New York, where Gayhart was from, to identify the remains using DNA samples from her family.

Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore stated that while the identification brings long-awaited answers, it strengthens the department's resolve. He emphasized that investigations continue regardless of time passed, and the pursuit of justice remains unwavering. The case is considered an active homicide investigation, with a commitment to following all leads.

“

It doesn't get better, we just get through it.

Gayhart was reported missing by her parents in Danville, New York, in 1985. At the time of her disappearance, she was living and working in the Cape Coral and North Fort Myers area. Her sister, Laurie Travis, had searched for answers for decades, recalling Gayhart as being "really happy" and having invited Travis to visit Florida shortly before she disappeared. Travis mentioned that neighbors during the initial investigation suspected murder, citing constant disturbances at the trailer park where Gayhart lived.

“

I think she was murdered, the neighbors were all saying when they did the investigation. Also, there was a lot of crashing and banging and fighting going on at the trailer park all the time.