Investigators are awaiting forensic tests to confirm the identity of a woman’s body discovered off Irving Avenue in Astoria Saturday.

However, testing could take several weeks to determine the identity, as well as the cause and manner of death.

An autopsy is scheduled for 1 p.m. today.

The body was removed late Sunday afternoon and taken to the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office in Salem for the autopsy, following an investigation by the Clatsop County Major Crimes Team.

Astoria Police responded to a report Saturday of decomposed remains near 25th Street on Irving Avenue shortly after 2 p.m. by a local resident walking through the wooded area.

The woman’s body could be that of Lois “Sue” White, a Marine Drive resident who was reported missing July 26 by her family. At the time, her family said White had gone for a walk four days prior and had not returned.

“The first question that everyone has asked is if this is Lois White,” Astoria Deputy Chief Brad Johnston said. “We are likely a long way from knowing that answer with any certainty. While investigators have made some observations that would support this theory, they have not come to a conclusion.”

Although the identity of the body is not known, the White family was notified of the discovery Saturday as a courtesy.

None of the efforts related to her disappearance have led to substantive leads, police said, adding that any information, no matter how trivial, is important.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Andrew Randall via the Internet at www.piersystem.com/go/inquiry/458/ using the category “tips,” via email at arandall @astoria.or.us or by phone at (503)?298-2547.

Astoria Police are being helped with the investigation by the Clatsop County Major Crime Team. The Major Crime Team is comprised of members of the individual police departments in Clatsop County who join resources for cases requiring additional resources. Regular members are the Oregon State Police, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Seaside Police Department, and the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office. Other agencies contribute as available.