Remains those of woman who disappeared in 2016
Human remains found in Fort Erie last week have been identified as those of a woman who went missing in early 2016.
As a result of evidence collected at the scene and after a post mortem examination, the remains have been identified as those of Barbara Cowsill of Fort Erie.
Cowsill was last seen at her Thunder Bay Road home at about 11 a. m. on Feb. 29, 2016. It was believed she had left her home on foot wearing a red coat and blue jeans. She was 66.
At the time, Niagara Regional Police conducted extensive ground and water searches with the assistance of Fort Erie firefighters, who walked the shoreline, and a helicopter from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to locate the Crystal Beach resident.
Last Wednesday, a member of the public discovered what appeared to be human remains near the Friendship Trail in the area of Gorham Road near Cherry Hill Boulevard.
A forensic anthropologist subsequently confirmed the remains to be human. The post mortem was conducted this week.
Police on Tuesday said foul play is not suspected in relation to Cowsill’s death.
On the weekend, evidentiary ground searches were conducted near the location where the discovery was made.
The NRP thanked the several agencies which assisted the investigation. “Their efforts played a role in helping bring some element of resolution for the family and local community,” said police in a media release.
University of Toronto’s anthropology department, Fort Erie Fire Department, the regional coroner’s office and a canine team from the Ontario Provincial Police participated in the investigation over the past week.