Brigham City, Utah — Authorities have confirmed that human remains found inside a black trash bag near a highway earlier this year belong to Brandy M. Hickey, a woman from St. George who had been missing since 2021.
Discovery and Identification
On April 2, 2025, a construction crew working near 2600 West along State Route 13 outside Brigham City discovered a black garbage bag containing human remains. Investigators determined that the body appeared to be that of a woman based on the clothing and initial forensic assessment.
Traditional methods of identification failed due to the condition of the remains, prompting investigators to conduct advanced DNA testing. Samples were sent to a forensic laboratory, where experts created a genetic profile that later matched national records. The results confirmed that the remains belonged to 42-year-old Brandy M. Hickey.
Authorities notified Hickey’s family soon after the confirmation and have been reaching out to her acquaintances to learn more about her background and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Background and Missing Person Timeline
Brandy Hickey had last been seen in the St. George area and was previously known to have ties to Salt Lake City. She had been missing since 2021, with no confirmed sightings or communications in the years that followed.
During the early stages of the investigation, police released a photo of a heart-shaped tattoo found on the body, hoping the public could help identify the victim. However, no credible leads surfaced until DNA evidence provided a conclusive match.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are treating Hickey’s death as a homicide. Detectives from the Brigham City Police Department continue to follow leads and review evidence to determine who may have been responsible for her death and how her remains ended up so far from home.
Investigators have urged anyone with information about Hickey’s activities or acquaintances between 2020 and 2021 to come forward. Even minor details, they said, could play a crucial role in solving the case.
In a public statement, officials emphasized their dedication to bringing justice to the victim and her loved ones. “Every member of our community has value,” one officer stated. “It is unacceptable for anyone to be harmed and discarded in such a callous and inhumane manner.”
The discovery has struck a chord with Utah residents, many of whom followed Hickey’s disappearance for years. As forensic teams continue to process evidence and conduct interviews, investigators remain hopeful that renewed attention will generate new information to finally provide answers — and justice — for Brandy Hickey.
