Human remains found in Long Island park may solve missing person case

High school runners discovered human skeletal remains in Plandome Pond Park on Long Island, a find that may resolve a year-long missing persons case. The discovery occurred around 5:45 p.m. on a Thursday when a local track team was training on trails near the train tracks.

Nassau County Police suspect the remains may belong to Shi Hua Xu, a 79-year-old woman with dementia who disappeared from Great Neck in December 2025. While authorities are awaiting DNA testing for definitive confirmation, the family has already identified a piece of clothing found at the scene as belonging to Xu.

Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder stated that the remains appear to be female and that investigators do not believe the incident is criminal in nature. Forensic specialists are currently working to confirm the identity and determine the exact circumstances of the death.