Lydia Varo-Braschler was 13 when she disappeared from the Big Lake area of Skagit County, Washington. On July 2, 2001, she left her aunt’s home on Highway 9 for a short walk—apparently toward a nearby convenience store—and never returned despite extensive search and rescue efforts.

Nine months later, on April 17, 2002, a woman hunting for mushrooms found human remains over an embankment off Lake Cavanaugh Road, about two miles from Highway 9 and roughly six miles from where Lydia was last seen. The Skagit County Coroner confirmed the remains were Lydia’s and ruled the cause of death blunt force trauma to the head; her death was investigated as a homicide.

Investigators questioned a cousin who was among the last people to see her alive; he reportedly passed several polygraph tests. DNA evidence was recovered at the scene but has not produced a match in the United States or Canada, and no arrests have been announced. A small memorial marks where her body was found.

If anyone knew Lydia, saw her that day, or has information that could help finally resolve this case, please come forward.