Human remains found in Evanston likely linked to missing 82-year-old Skokie woman
Tsering Wangyal, 82
SKOKIE, Ill. - Evanston police discovered human remains last month that matched the description of a woman who went missing in July.
Authorities said the remains, which were found on Nov. 30 in heavy vegetation in the 2300 block of Oakton Street, match the description and clothing of Tsering Wangyal, an 82-year-old Skokie resident who has been missing since July 15.
Wangyal, known by her middle name, Dolma, was last seen at the Levy Senior Center in Evanston after reportedly taking a bus from her home in Skokie. She was planning to meet family members at the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago, but never arrived.
Surveillance footage captured Dolma leaving her condo in the 9500 block of Bronx Place in Skokie. She boarded the CTA Route 97 bus, but her daughter believes she exited at the wrong stop.
Security video later showed Dolma in the lobby of the Levy Senior Center at 300 Dodge Avenue in Evanston. Family members suspect she may have been seeking help, but a language barrier likely hindered communication for the native Tibetan speaker.
Dolma was last seen leaving the center around 6 p.m. She had left her purse and cellphone at home, making her unreachable since her disappearance.
Her case prompted months of extensive search efforts from her family and community, including organized search parties, poster campaigns, and the creation of a website, Finding Dolma, to raise awareness.
Police have stated that no foul play is suspected in the case. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to confirm the identity of the remains.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact 911 or the Skokie Police Department at (847) 982-5900.