The human remains found by a game warden on Sunday in rural Washakie County have been identified as those of Breanna Mitchell who disappeared nearly two years ago.
The then-28-year-old Worland woman has been missing since July 2023 after her vehicle was found stuck on a rugged, two-track road in rural Washakie County.
Washakie County Sheriff Austin Brookwell announced in a statement Monday night that Mitchell was identified through dental records her dentist had on file. Her remains were located north of the site where her vehicle had been abandoned, Brookwell said.
She was located about 1.05 miles by air from where her vehicle was parked in rugged terrain marked with hills, ravines and deep sagebrush, which made searching difficult, Brookwell told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday morning.
Brookwell said he could not comment on the condition of the remains or any other details pertinent to the open case.
"As this remains an open investigation, I cannot comment on specific findings at this time," he said. "However, I want to assure the public that our agency remains committed to thoroughly investigating any new information that arises."
Brookwell went on to thank members of his department, Washakie County Search and Rescue and other volunteers who devoted an "extensive number of investigative and search hours," including deputies who searched for Mitchell on their days off.
"Being able to finally identify and locate her was a relief to all involved, and our thoughts remain with her loved ones," Brookwell said.
At this point, her cause of death has yet to be determined pending a report from Washakie County Coroner Jeff Lapp.
Lapp was not immediately available for comment Tuesday.
“We understand that speculation may arise within the community, but we urge everyone to remember that this case involves a loved daughter, mother, sister, and friend,” he said. “Out of respect for Breanna and her loved ones, we ask for patience and understanding.”
Brookwell said an investigation is ongoing.
“We recognize the grief and uncertainty that Breanna’s family and friends have endured. While this identification may bring some measure of closure, we remain committed to seeking answers if new information comes to light,” he said.
Breanna Mitchell (Via Facebook) 
Breanna Mitchell
Only Shirt, Shoe Found
The search for Mitchell first focused on the area surrounding the Nowater Trail southeast of Worland, where her vehicle was stuck roughly 2 miles off the trail, but there were no signs of Mitchell.
A search was coordinated with more than 20 volunteers, in addition to help from the Civil Air Patrol and a Guardian Flight Helicopter. That search include a bloodhound crew from Fremont County.
Despite good intentions and best efforts, only a shirt and shoe have been found.
Remembering Mitchell
Friends and loved ones took to social media to pay their respects on the Washakie County Sheriff's Office Facebook page following the announcement of her identity.
Many commented on their relief for her family as well as their condolences for their loss.
"Such a sweet soul," wrote Angel Olivera.
"My heart goes out to her family," said Elizabeth Rampendahl Argumedo. "She was such a sweet woman. Pray for peace for all of us who knew and loved her."
Others vowed for justice should her death be determined foul play.
Small Measure Of Relief
Desirée Tinoco, founder and executive director of Missing People of Wyoming, remembers when Mitchell first went missing and the firestorm of posts and information that flooded in on her nonprofit’s Facebook group as law enforcement and rescuers frantically searched for Mitchell.
“Those first few days were really chaotic,” Tinoco told Cowboy State Daily Tuesday morning as she struggled to keep up with all the posts.
Though Tinoco did not personally know Mitchell, the two had friends in common, which Tinoco said is unfortunately frequently the case when people go missing in a low-populated state like Wyoming.
And though she’s sad for Mitchell’s family, Tinoco said that it’s rarer than not that a person’s remains are recovered and she’s grateful that Mitchell’s family and friends have that small measure of relief to have finally found her.
“It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack,” Tinoco said. “A lot of those families will never find their loved ones and will never find answers.”
Mitchell was one of 81 missing people in Wyoming dating back to 1974 who are listed on the Division of Criminal Investigation’s missing person database.
Jen Kocher can be reached at jen@cowboystatedaily.com.
