“Five Cousins Vanished on a Haunting Trip — 5 Years Later, This Is Found Buried in Soil…”
In the dense, unyielding forests of Washington State, where the shadows stretch long and the whispers of the wind carry untold secrets, a chilling mystery unfolded that would haunt a family for years. In March of 2014, five cousins embarked on a hunting trip that would change their lives forever—only to vanish without a trace, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
The group, comprised of Colin Hayes, 29; Derek Pullman, 31; Justin Lamb, 27; Andrew Finch, 33; and Randall Marshall, 25, were seasoned outdoorsmen, well-versed in the ways of the wild. They had shared countless adventures, from backyard barbecues to weekend fishing trips, and this outing was merely another chapter in their storied family tradition. However, little did they know that this trip would become a haunting tale of tragedy and despair.
On the crisp morning of March 14, 2014, the cousins loaded their gear into two vehicles—a silver Chevrolet Tahoe owned by Colin and a dark blue Dodge Ram pickup truck belonging to Andrew. Their destination was the remote Quinal Valley area of the Olympic National Park, a place known for its breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife. They planned to camp, fish, and explore the less-traveled trails, promising their families they would return by the evening of March 17.
As the sun set on March 17, the absence of the cousins began to weigh heavily on their families. Colin’s wife, Mia, became increasingly anxious when he failed to return home. She attempted to reach him by phone, but each call went straight to voicemail. The same was true for the other cousins; their phones were silent, and the worry quickly escalated into panic.
By the evening of March 18, Mia and the families gathered at the trailhead, where the cousins had parked their vehicles. The sight of the Tahoe and the Dodge Ram, untouched and locked, sent chills down their spines. They contacted local authorities, who initiated a search operation the following day, launching an extensive search that would soon become a desperate race against time.
The search began on March 19, with teams of sheriff’s deputies, forest rangers, and volunteers scouring the vast wilderness. The Casachie National Forest, known for its rugged terrain and dense foliage, posed significant challenges for the searchers. Despite their experience, the cousins had vanished without a trace, leaving behind no signs of struggle, no campsites, and no clues to their whereabouts.
Days turned into weeks, and the search efforts intensified. Helicopters flew overhead, search dogs sniffed out trails, and volunteers combed through the underbrush, but all efforts yielded no results. The last known communication from the group was a text from Justin to his mother, sent on March 15, stating, “Great spot. Lots of trails. Will call tomorrow.” After that, silence fell, an eerie void that consumed the families with dread.
As the weeks dragged on, media attention grew, and the story of the missing cousins captured the hearts of the community. Tips poured in, ranging from sightings in nearby towns to rumors of foul play, but none led to any credible information. The families held vigils, desperate for answers, clinging to the hope that their loved ones might still be alive.
Then, in July 2019, nearly five years after their disappearance, a lone hiker named Elena Vasquez stumbled upon a chilling discovery in the Olympic National Park. While veering off the trail to avoid a washed-out path, she unearthed a human spine partially buried in the soil, pierced by a rusted arrowhead. The sight was horrifying and surreal, a macabre clue that shattered the silence surrounding the cousins’ case.
Elena immediately called park rangers, her voice trembling as she reported the find. The rangers arrived quickly, cordoning off the area and initiating a forensic investigation. The discovery of the spine, along with the arrowhead embedded in the bone, raised immediate questions about the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding their death.
Forensic experts quickly identified the spine as belonging to an adult male, likely in his late 20s to early 30s. The arrowhead was analyzed, revealing that it was not a modern hunting arrow but rather a hand-forged weapon, suggesting a connection to traditional archery practices. This detail piqued the attention of investigators, as it indicated that the arrow was likely used by someone familiar with the area and its hunting traditions.
As the investigation unfolded, the families of the missing cousins were thrown back into the turmoil of uncertainty and grief. The discovery of the spine was a grim confirmation that their loved ones had met a tragic fate, but it also opened the door to new questions. If one cousin had been found, what had happened to the others? Where were their remains?
The Nacogdoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reopened the case, launching a renewed search for evidence in the area surrounding the burial site. Search teams combed through the forest, utilizing cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar to locate any additional remains. Despite their exhaustive efforts, no other bodies were found, and the mystery deepened.
Investigators began to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the cousins’ disappearance. They reviewed old reports, interviewed witnesses, and examined the area where the spine had been discovered. The focus shifted to understanding the circumstances that had led to their deaths and whether foul play was involved.
As the investigation progressed, a name emerged: Raymond Ducet, a local man known for his reclusive nature and history of hunting violations. Ducet had lived near the Olympic National Park for years, and his name had surfaced in connection with previous incidents of poaching. Investigators began to look into his background, hoping to uncover any links to the missing cousins.
On May 12, 2019, Ducet was apprehended after a tip-off led authorities to his property. Inside his cabin, investigators found evidence linking him to the crime, including personal belongings of the missing cousins and a collection of handmade arrows. Ducet was charged with the murder of Andrew Finch, and the investigation continued to uncover the fates of the other three tourists.
As the trial approached, the families of the cousins held their breath, desperate for answers and justice. The prosecution presented a compelling case, detailing the evidence that connected Ducet to the murders. The journal entries found in his cabin revealed a disturbed mind, one that viewed the forest as his domain and intruders as threats to be eliminated.
The courtroom was filled with emotion as family members listened to the testimonies of witnesses and forensic experts. Each piece of evidence brought them closer to understanding what had happened to their loved ones, but the pain of loss remained heavy in the air.
In the end, the case of the five cousins who vanished in the Louisiana wilderness serves as a haunting reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the darkness that can lurk within it. Their story is a testament to the enduring power of family bonds and the relentless pursuit of justice, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
As the years pass, the memory of Colin, Derek, Justin, Andrew, and Randall lives on, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the love that endures. Their legacy continues to inspire those who venture into the wilderness, urging them to respect the land and remain vigilant in the face of danger. The forest may hold its secrets, but the truth of their story will never be forgotten.
