Fire Island in 2011, but it wasn't until recently that her remains were finally identified.

The sons of Karen Vergata, Eric Doherty, 32, and Gary Doherty, 34, were shocked and devastated when they received the news of their mother's gruesome death. Eric, who had always believed Vergata was missing, was inconsolable when reached by phone on Friday afternoon. His girlfriend, Michelle Nolan, shared the heartbreaking details of their conversation exclusively with The Post.

Nolan explained that Eric and Gary were actually the biological sons of Karen Vergata and a man named Gunther Lind. However, they were adopted as young children by Edward and Diane Doherty in 1992. The boys grew up with some knowledge of their biological mother but were never informed about the discovery of her remains. It was their adoptive mother who eventually called them to break the news.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney's office did not immediately respond to The Post's request for a comment on the situation. However, during Friday's press conference, Tierney claimed that the victim's family had been made aware of the discovery. The lack of communication between authorities and the sons of Karen Vergata raises questions about the handling of the case and the emotional toll it had on the family.

When Eric briefly spoke to The Post, he confirmed that Vergata was indeed his mother but was too overwhelmed with grief to provide further details. Michelle Nolan revealed that Vergata had a troubled past, struggling with drug addiction. She disappeared after February 14, 1994, when she was 34 years old. Nolan also mentioned that Vergata was involved in a tragic accident while pregnant with Gary in the late 1980s. She was struck by a truck, resulting in Gary being born with cerebral palsy.

Public records indicate that Vergata may have sued the trucking company on behalf of her infant son shortly after his birth. However, further details about the lawsuit are unknown at this time. Eric was born in 1990, and shortly after his birth, Vergata "took off," according to Nolan. She added that their father had tried to help her during that time.

Unfortunately, the boys' father is believed to have died of tuberculosis, although the exact date is uncertain. Gary, who lives in a care home for adults with special needs, is not yet aware of his mother's death, Nolan revealed.

At the time of her disappearance, Vergata was residing on West 45th Street and was believed to have been working as an escort, according to District Attorney Ray Tierney. Astonishingly, she was never reported missing, raising further questions about her circumstances and the people in her life.

The investigation into Karen Vergata's death began in 1996 when her legs were found in a plastic bag at Davis Park on the bayside of Fire Island's Blue Point Beach. However, back then, investigators could only determine that the victim was a white woman with distinctive scars, including evidence of surgery on her left ankle. It wasn't until 2011 that her skull was discovered on Fire Island, finally leading to her identification.

The case of Karen Vergata's death has left her sons and loved ones with more questions than answers. The lack of communication and notification to Eric and Gary about their mother's death before the official press conference has added to their anguish. As the investigation continues, authorities must address the mishandling of this case and provide the family with the support and answers they deserve.