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

The remains of a North Carolina mom who has been missing for over a year have 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 Office said in a Facebook post on 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 to CBS affiliate WNCN.

Mustian's remains were recovered by the Youngsville Rescue Dive Team in Vance County on Thursday, Jan. 30.

"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.

Related: Body Found of Missing Sister Who Vanished on Night Walk Near River, Say Police

Megan Mustian, Dana’s sister-in-law, told WNCN in 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.”

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

Authorities did not disclose where specifically Dana’s body was found.

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

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