Woman, 21, Vanished Overnight from Home. Her Remains Were Found in a Riverbed Over a Year Later

Human Remains Identified as Missing Woman After Over a Year

By David Chiu

Human skeletal remains discovered in a riverbed in California have been positively identified as those of a 21-year-old woman who went missing over a year ago. The identification was confirmed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, stating the remains belonged to Zyanya Valora, who had disappeared in June 2024, as per an announcement by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, September 29. The group ‘Find Zyanya Valora’ also made the sad revelation on Monday.

The news of Zyanya Valora’s tragic fate was shared on a Facebook post by the group, stating, “It is with deep sorrow that we share that Zyanya has been found deceased… Their love and hope have meant everything.” The discovery of the suspected remains was made when a conservancy organization was clearing invasive plants in the Ventura Riverbed on September 24.

Authorities including deputies and the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the location and confirmed human skeletal remains. It was initially challenging to identify the remains due to their condition. Two days later, the medical examiner’s office successfully identified the remains as belonging to Valora.

Reports suggest there was no obvious lethal trauma, and the cause and manner of Valora’s death are pending further analysis. Prior to her disappearance in June 2024, Valora, who had autism, left her home in Ojai Valley in the early hours of the morning. She was reported missing on the same day after it was observed that a screen from her bedroom window had been removed.

Valora’s last known location was determined to be near her home, where her phone connected to an open Wi-Fi network. This heartbreaking incident marked her second time wandering away from home, the first being in 2020 when she was found hours later at a nearby church. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office had conducted daily searches after her disappearance.

In their efforts to find their missing daughter, Valora’s parents, Damaris Dac and Gabriel Valora, had set up a fundraiser to raise awareness and resources. The family offered a $50,000 reward for any information leading to their daughter’s safe return. Her disappearance raised concerns due to her vulnerability as an at-risk dependent adult with autism.

The tragic discovery of Zyanya Valora’s remains has left the community grieving for her untimely loss. News outlets reported on the family’s ongoing efforts and the challenges faced in the search for the missing woman. While the cause of her death remains under investigation, the closure brought by identifying the remains provides some relief to her loved ones.

The case serves as a reminder of the importance of community support in times of crisis and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in search and rescue missions. The Valora family’s journey, marked by hope, determination, and ultimately heartbreak, sheds light on the impact of missing persons cases on families and communities. As investigations continue, the memory of Zyanya Valora will be honoured, and her story will remain in the hearts of those who shared in the search for her.

In conclusion, the identification of Zyanya Valora’s remains brings a sense of closure to a prolonged period of uncertainty and sorrow for her family and loved ones. The tragic event highlights the need for continued vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals in communities. The search for answers and justice in Valora’s case will continue, as her memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew her.