Apr 11, 2026 2 min read

The Washington County coroner has identified skeletal remains that were found in Washington last year as a man who had gone missing in 2020.

According to Coroner Timothy Warco, the remains belonged to 30-year-old Robertson Wuyoch, of South Strabane Township and formerly of Micronesia.

Wuyoch had been reported missing by family members on June 11, 2020 after he did not return to his home on North Main Street. The morning of May 4, 2025, a passerby found his remains in a wooded area near 150 Terrace Ave.

According to Warco, his cause of death was hanging. Warco’s office was not able to determine a manner of death due to a lack of information, but officials do not believe his death was suspicious.

Warco said in his report that they were able to identify Wuyoch through advanced DNA analysis. He was assisted by the Mercyhurst University Department of Anthropology.

Warco credited Washington resident Beth Gandelman, Wuyoch’s landlord, as a “critical link in identifying and notifying his family.”

“The coroner’s office would like to thank the decedent’s family for their patience with the process,” reads Warco’s report.

At the time Wuyoch was found, Warco said a wallet with photo identification was also recovered. However, he was hesitant to reach a conclusion on the identity until dental and DNA analyses were completed.

“I don’t want to make a mistake of telling this family they are the remains of your loved one, and it’s not correct,” Warco said at the time.

Washington police, South Strabane Township police and state police assisted in the investigation.