SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Skagit County officials have identified the body of a man who was found dead near Chuckanut Drive over 30 years ago.

The Sheriff’s Office says it’s not releasing the name of the man at this time out of respect for his family.

He was found by deputies back in February 1989 on a steep hillside above Chuckanut Drive near Bow, where they believed he had likely taken his own life. The man was buried and known to the community only as “Bow Doe” for the past three decades-plus.

“This identification is the result of perseverance, community partnership, and incredible advances in forensic science,” said Tobin Meyer, Chief Criminal Deputy at the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. “We are grateful to everyone past and present who played a role in giving this man back his name and bringing closure to his family.”

Still, the case remained open, and in 2018, Bow community members raised funds to unearth the remains to conduct a DNA test.

This year, an advanced DNA testing company used genetic analysis to identify a relative of the man, who confirmed the man’s ID to Skagit County detectives.

The Sheriff’s Office says the man’s family is deeply grateful to the Bow community and other parties involved for their dedication to the long-running case.