Remains found in Washington finally ID’d as BC teen missing since 2007

For family and friends of Jeffrey Surtel, it’s long-awaited closure.

Human remains that washed ashore on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State in August 2008 have finally been identified as belonging to the BC teenager who went missing just over a year earlier.

“Our hearts go out to Jeffrey’s family and friends, as they learn of this news,” said Insp. Ted Lewko, Mission RCMP. “We hope that this update helps to bring them some closure to what has surely been an unimaginable 18 years of wondering what happened.”

Surtel was reported missing on April 29, 2007, and was believed to have left his family’s Mission home on his bike while others were asleep.

He left most of his belongings at home and the disappearance was considered out of character for the teenager.

A desperate, widespread search was launched, covering large areas of the Lower Mainland and beyond, but Surtel was never found despite the efforts of many.

When the human remains were found south of the border 16 months later, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation and conducted a DNA analysis.

It was compared with DNA samples across multiple US databases, but no matches were found.

But in 2024, the Sheriff’s Office raised funds through crowdfunded donations and were able to collect enough to send the DNA for testing at a private laboratory in Texas early this year.

“That lab used advances in forensic genetic genealogy to link the DNA to a member of Jeffrey’s extended family,” a Mission RCMP statement explained.

“Through additional follow-up with Mission RCMP and the BC Coroner’s Service, they were able to confirm that the DNA from the found remains belonged to Jeffrey Surtel.”

Surtel’s family was notified of the result last week.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the almost-18-year search for Jeff Surtel is over,” his dad Gary shared on a Facebook group dedicated to searching for his son.

“It is believed that he passed away on or shortly after his disappearance on April 29, 2007. While the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unsolved, we are thankful to finally have closure.”

He thanked people for their support throughout the years and indicated that a memorial service will be held for family and friends at a later date.

Insp. Lewko expressed gratitude toward the Sheriff’s Office for “their perseverance in finding answers,” as well as the Texas lab that was able to link the human remains to Surtel.

“Your efforts have made a real difference to those who knew and loved Jeffrey,” he said.

Investigators on both sides of the border have confirmed that there is no indication of criminality in Surtel’s death.

Surtel would have turned 35 years old on Feb. 24, 2025.