On November 24, 2014, the discovery of a male body marked the beginning of a somber case in Puyallup, Washington. The deceased, identified as Kenneth Dewayne Hornaday, passed away in his own residence from what was determined to be a self-inflicted hanging. Despite the tragic circumstances, Hornaday's family ultimately made the decision not to claim his body. When approached, the family explained that their reluctance stemmed from financial constraints, making it impossible for them to take responsibility.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office, located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, oversaw the case, assigned with the Agency Case Number 14-1780, and handled by Namus ID: UCP2478. Following the family's decision, Hornaday’s remains were entrusted to a rotation funeral home. After necessary preparations, his cremains were returned to the Medical Examiner's Office. Despite efforts, the difficulty of finding someone to claim the decedent persisted.
Nearly two years after Kenneth Dewayne Hornaday's death, a resolution was found for his remains. On August 17, 2016, the unclaimed ashes were respectfully scattered at sea in a dedicated scattering service, marking a dignified farewell to a life that ended too soon. The scattering signified the close of the case handled by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, as Hornaday’s remains found their final resting place in the depths of the ocean. The office, which can be contacted at 253-798-6494, continues to carry out essential responsibilities in the region, despite the challenges presented by such cases.
Date Found: 11/24/2014
