Kelly Evans, a 54-year-old mother from rural Arkansas, vanished in 2017 under mysterious circumstances. After more than eight years of searches, billboards, and unanswered questions, her remains were discovered by a hunter in late 2025, bringing partial closure to a long-standing missing persons case.

The Disappearance of Kelly Evans

Kelly Evans was last seen on October 14, 2017, at her home on White Oak Road in Enola, a rural area in Faulkner County, Arkansas. She was reported missing by her family on October 16, 2017, after she appeared upset following an argument. Evans was described as wearing a white tank top and white athletic shorts at the time of her disappearance. Her black and white zebra-print purse also went missing, though her wallet was left behind.

Authorities and volunteers conducted extensive searches in the weeks and years following her disappearance. These included multiple ground searches with ATVs, cadaver dogs, drones, and even aircraft from the Arkansas State Police. Despite these efforts—and ongoing tips, social media campaigns, and billboards—no trace of Evans was found for over eight years. Her daughter, Nikki Driscoll, spoke publicly about the family’s enduring hope, noting in 2024 that she never expected the search to last so long.

The case remained an active cold case with the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, classified as a missing persons investigation with no initial suspicion of foul play publicly confirmed.

Discovery of Remains by Hunter

The breakthrough came on December 31, 2025, when a hunter tracking game near White Oak Road stumbled upon what appeared to be human remains in a densely wooded area close to a water runoff channel. The location was not far from Evans’ former home.

The hunter immediately contacted authorities. The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Coroner’s Office, responded and conducted a thorough search of the area. They recovered additional suspected human remains, clothing, and personal belongings.

The evidence was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for analysis.

Identification and Ongoing Investigation

On January 16, 2026, the lab confirmed a 99.98% DNA match, positively identifying the remains as those of Kelly Evans.

While the discovery has provided answers about her whereabouts, many questions remain. The cause of death has not been determined, and the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the investigation is ongoing and active. No suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made in connection with her disappearance or death.

Authorities have released limited details to preserve the integrity of the probe but expressed hope that the identification brings some closure to Evans’ family. The sheriff’s office extended thoughts and prayers to her loved ones.

What Happened to Kelly Evans?

The case of Kelly Evans highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations in rural areas, where dense terrain can conceal evidence for years. Though her remains have been located near her home, the circumstances surrounding her death continue to be investigated.

Family members, including daughter Nikki Driscoll, have long advocated for information, emphasizing that arguments were not uncommon but her prolonged absence was unexpected.

As of January 2026, the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to come forward.