The Pennsylvania State Police announced that they have finally identified the victim of a fatal Turnpike crash from over three decades ago.
Investigators say Linda Jean McClure, 26, of Indiana, Pennsylvania was the passenger of a tractor-trailer that crashed into another semi-truck near the 119 eastbound mile marker in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County.
Police say the crash, which occurred on October 22, 1987, also claimed the life of the driver of the truck that McClure was in after it caught fire following the collision.
Investigators say they were able to identify the driver of the tractor-trailer as a California man, but the identity of the passenger remained a mystery for nearly four decades, despite multiple attempts to identify her.
Troopers say in August, State Police agreed to pay for forensic genetic genealogy DNA testing in order to identify the passenger.
“There were many obstacles in this case but none that deterred the outcome, I commend the troopers who remained dedicated to their duty and ultimately brought closure to this case.”
Investigators say the DNA testing positively identified McClure as the victim, which was confirmed after he brother also submitted a DNA sample for comparison.
Troopers noted that McClure’s family never reported her missing and reportedly told police that they had not spoken to her since the late 1980s.
“The Pennsylvania Turnpike is pleased we were able to support the State Police on this cold case, We hope that this revelation provides long overdue comfort to Ms. McClure’s family.”