Human remains found on US mountainside confirmed as missing Scottish man John Gillies
Human remains found on a US mountainside nearly a year ago have been officially identified as those of a missing Scottish man.
The bones, belonging to John Gillies of Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, were found by forestry workers near Sweetwater Gap, Wyoming, last year.
The discovery of scattered skeletal remains by Wyoming Game and Fish personnel on Sept. 6 prompted authorities to launch a complex investigation to identify the deceased.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a 14-person team from its force, along with Sublette County Search and Rescue and the U.S. Forest Service, searched 20 miles of rugged terrain and recovered an estimated 85 percent of the skeletal remains.
Local police estimate that the remains have been on the mountainside for six years.
Investigators collected personal items at the scene and, working with Interpol and Police Scotland, were able to identify the missing Scotsman.
Police contacted the man’s ex-wife, who shared information about him and told officers: “I just wanted you to know he was more than just bones.”
“His compassion and willingness to help provided invaluable insight during the investigation and served as a powerful reminder that every unidentified person is someone someone loved,” the sheriff’s office said.
Detectives contacted the Parish Church of Saint Mary in Kirkintilloch, who helped locate Mr Gillies’ family before the international death notice was issued.
Police confirmed the man was Mr Gillies, who will be 69 this year, on June 30 after taking DNA samples.
The local force said the man’s family had been informed and efforts were underway to return Mr Gillie’s body to Scotland.
“This case is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and the power of partnerships that extend far beyond the borders of our county and even our nation,” said Sheriff KC Lehr.
“What began with the discovery of unidentified remains in a remote area of Wyoming ultimately brought local, state, federal and international partners together with one common goal: to respond to a family.
“We are grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing John home.”
