Sneaker with ‘remains’ found on WA beach turns out to be of a bear
Dec 12, 2025, 12:08 PM
Officials with Clallam County Sheriff's Office search a Clallam County beach after discovering a shoe with human remains inside it. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
A sneaker that washed up on a Clallam County beach containing what was initially believed to be human remains was not human at all, the county sheriff’s office confirmed.
“Forensic testing conducted by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the material was of bear origin, and no human biological matter was present,” the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office stated.
It is unknown how bear bone and tissue became lodged inside the washed ashore sneaker, as of this reporting. No additional related items have been located.
A person from Sequim initially reported the discovery of the shoe to 911 at 8:30 a.m. Monday, claiming it looked like it had human remains inside. The shoe was found approximately 50 feet from the Port Williams Beach boat launch at Marly Nelson County Park.
When a deputy responded to the scene, they confirmed the presence of bones and tissue inside the sneaker.
The shoe was a white Puma brand sneaker with green and blue “Sharpie” style markings covering the exterior. The printed shoe size was a European size 35.5, equivalent to a U.S. women’s 5 to 5.5, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest
