Missing N.C. Mom Found Dead Over a Year After Never Showing Up to Daughter's Birthday Party

Mar. 15, 2025

Dana Mustian, the mom who went missing in November 2023, has been found dead.Photo:Warren County Sheriff’s Office

Warren County Sheriff’s Office

The remains of a North Carolina mom who has beenmissing for over a yearhave been found, according to authorities.

Dana Leigh Mustian was last seen on Nov. 30, 2023, around 1:30 p.m. local time on Dorothy Drive in Warrenton, the Warren County Sheriff’s Officesaid in a Facebook poston Saturday, Feb. 1.

Family and officials said the mom did not show up for her daughter’s 6th birthday party in early December 2023, according toCBS affiliate WNCN.

“The remains were sent to the NC Medical Examiner’s Office, where they have been identified as the remains of Dana Leigh Mustian,” according to the sheriff’s office.

Megan Mustian, Dana’s sister-in-law, toldWNCNin January 2024 that she was “the life of the party.”

“She knew everybody, everybody knew her,” Megan added.

Dana’s older brother, who remained anonymous, told the station that his sister loved her daughter “more than anything in the world.”

“It’s been a nightmare,” Dana’s brother previously said. “I can’t even put into words how somebody just vanishes without a trace.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

An official cause of death has not been released. Her disappearance and death are under investigation.

“We would like to thank Sheriff Curtis Brame and the Vance County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance,” officials said Saturday.

source: people.com