On September 10, 2018, the body of Zella Miller Reed, an unclaimed 72-year-old woman, was documented in Lakewood, Washington. Identified under Namus ID UCP53183, Reed passed away from natural causes at St. Clare Hospital. Despite records indicating that she had adult children, efforts to contact them or any other next of kin were unsuccessful.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office (PCMEO), located at 3619 Pacific Avenue in Tacoma, Washington, took charge of Reed's case. The agency conducted a comprehensive search for any surviving family members, hoping to ensure a respectful claim of her remains. Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no results, as they were unable to locate or communicate with any relatives.
Following protocol, the PCMEO arranged for Reed's cremation through one of their partner funeral homes. Once that process was completed, her cremated remains were returned to the PCMEO, underscoring the poignant reality of unclaimed individuals in similar circumstances. This case continues to be a solemn reminder of the challenges faced by agencies in managing unclaimed persons and the imperative of community involvement in such instances. The PCMEO remains available for any potential leads or contacts at their number, 253-798-6494.
Date Found: 09/10/2018
