Remains Found In Ballona Wetlands During Search For Missing Woman

PLAYA DEL REY, CA — Police searching for signs of a woman who disappeared from Venice in December discovered skeletal remains Friday while combing a 600-acre area of the Ballona Wetlands and Ballona Creek near Marina del Rey.

There was no immediate confirmation the remains are those of Kolby Story, 32, who was last seen Dec. 7, 2020, in the 12300 block of Pacific Avenue. The remains will have to be examined by the coroner's office.

Authorities and the family of the missing woman initiated the search for her in the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and Ballona Creek Friday, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Friday.

"Robbery-Homicide Division investigators, Pacific Division personnel, and Metropolitan Division, along with California Office of Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue Division K9 Search Teams, and Kolby’s family members and friends, will be conducting a search of the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve and Ballona Creek for Kolby," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement Friday.

Kolby Story was last seen early on Dec. 7 near Venice Boulevard, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Her vehicle was found at a parking lot in Marina del Rey.

Her family is very worried about her and had offered a $100K reward for her safe return.

Loved ones want her home, her brother Josh Story told Patch.

"It's tough, the unknown and just every day is we feel like it's getting tougher and tougher," he said.

Police describe Kolby as a 32-year-old white female with brown hair and hazel eyes. She is
5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 115 pounds.

She has a nose ring and tattoo of wings on her back, at the top and middle area, her brother said.

Authorities urge anyone with information about Kolby Story to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division, at 213-486-6890. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.

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City News Service contributed to this report.