Remains Found in River Stumped Authorities for Years Until ‘Crucial Breakthrough’: Uncovering Dad’s 2017 Missing Persons Report

The search for Shane Allen Workman, who went missing in April 2017, has reached a tragic conclusion with the identification of his remains five years after he disappeared. Authorities confirmed that the human remains found in 2021 in the Susquehanna River are those of the 31-year-old man from Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

Workman was last seen on the evening of April 25, 2017. He had left his home in Lewistown to walk to a nearby gas station, but he never returned. His parents reported him missing three days later, prompting an extensive investigation involving the Lewistown Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police. Despite numerous efforts to locate him, including a review of the case in 2023, the search proved fruitless.

It was not until July 25, 2021, that human remains were discovered on a small outcropping of land north of Ely Island in the Susquehanna River, Lancaster County. A duck hunter stumbled upon these remains, which were accompanied by articles of clothing including pants, a belt, a butane lighter, and a pocketknife. Initial examinations by the coroner’s office confirmed they were human, and authorities believed they belonged to a missing person. However, early forensic tests yielded inconclusive results, and attempts to match the remains to another missing person were unsuccessful.

The discovery of Workman’s remains remained unconnected to his case until the involvement of the DNA Doe Project in early 2026. The independent organisation, which specializes in resolving unidentified cases, began to make strides in the investigation shortly after becoming engaged. Team leader Monique Platt stated that the project’s investigative efforts led them to uncover a missing person report that matched Workman’s profile, revealing he had been unaccounted for since 2017.

Through DNA analysis, the remains were ultimately confirmed as belonging to Workman, an identification that brought some closure to his family. Authorities announced this development on August 4, directly addressing the long-standing uncertainty surrounding his disappearance.

While the identification of Workman’s remains has provided his family with answers regarding his fate, Lewistown Police have stated that their investigation is ongoing. They are following various leads rooted in Workman’s cell phone records, as well as evidence collected during the recovery of the remains. The department noted that their inquiries remain focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding his death, as they continue to pursue the question of how he ended up in the river.

Workman left behind a daughter, who was only 14 years old at the time of his disappearance. The emotional toll on his family has been significant, compounded by years of uncertainty over his whereabouts. In light of these recent developments, authorities have urged anyone with further information regarding Workman’s case to come forward.

Detective Mary Woods of the Lewistown Police Department has been designated for any tips related to the investigation. She can be contacted directly at (717) 248-6716, Extension 427. The police remain hopeful that continued investigation and community engagement may shed light on the remaining questions about this tragic case.

The story of Shane Allen Workman serves as a stark reminder of the enduring impact of missing persons cases on families and communities, and the importance of continued efforts to seek justice and clarity for those left behind.