Human remains discovered last September in a remote woodland near Sweetwater Gap, Wyoming, have been identified as those of John Gillies, a Scottish camper who went missing nearly six years ago. The 63-year-old, originally from Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, had been reported missing after camping in the area.

Forest workers initially found the bones during routine duties, prompting an investigation that uncovered personal items, including an identification card. These found belongings aided authorities in establishing the identity of the remains.

DNA samples were sent to Scotland for comparison, confirming that the remains were indeed those of Gillies. How his remains came to rest in the Wyoming area remains unclear.

The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has been leading the investigation, with support from Interpol, Scottish law enforcement, and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory. Officials noted the involvement of Gillies’ ex-wife, who expressed that he was “more than bones.” A sheriff’s office spokesperson highlighted her compassion and cooperation as crucial to the inquiry and emphasized the human element behind unidentified remains.

Sheriff KC Lehr remarked on the collaborative nature of the investigation, citing contributions from local, state, federal, and international partners. Efforts are now underway, in coordination with Interpol, to facilitate the repatriation of Gillies’ remains to Scotland, providing his family with closure after years of uncertainty.