Remains of missing Sylva women found in Cherokee National Forest
Two months after a Silver Alert was issued in the disappearance of 81-year-old Sylva resident Eunice Gass, dental records have confirmed the discovery of Gass’ remains in the Cherokee National Forest.
Gass was reported missing on Aug. 26, but it wasn’t until Saturday, Oct. 22, that her vehicle was discovered when a pair of ATV riders stumbled upon it in the forest during late evening. It was located near the border of Cherokee County, North Carolina, and Monroe County, Tennessee.
Over the next two days, a coalition of agencies conducted a search of the areas. Agencies involved included Monroe County Tennessee Sheriff's Office, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, N.C. State Bureau Of Investigation, United States Forest Service, Western Carolina University and Knox County Regional Forensic Center.
Human remains were discovered in the area and sent to Knox County Regional Forensic Center for examination. The remains were confirmed as belonging to Gass on Oct. 25.
No foul play is suspected in the case.
