DNA analysis has confirmed that human remains discovered in a car submerged in the Columbia River belong to an Oregon family who disappeared in 1958 during a trip to gather Christmas greenery, authorities said Thursday.
According to the state medical examiner’s office, the remains have been identified as Kenneth and Barbara Martin and their daughter, Barbie. The identification was made from remains recovered within the wreckage of the vehicle, the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office reported.
Officials added that the investigation has now been closed, with no evidence of foul play found.
Ken, Barbara, Sue, Donald and Virginia Martin were photographed in Portland, Oregon, in December 1952.
A Ford station wagon believed to belong to the family was discovered in 2024 by a diver who had spent years searching for it. Authorities recovered part of the vehicle from the river the following year.
The Martin family disappeared in December 1958. Months later, the bodies of two of the children were found, but the remaining family members were never located.
At the time, the case drew national attention and sparked widespread speculation about possible foul play, with a $1,000 reward offered for information.
Divers Recover Parts of Station Wagon from Columbia River in March 2025
