Skeletal Remains Identified as Missing Scottish Man
Skeletal remains discovered on a mountainside in the United States nearly 10 months ago have been positively identified as those of John Gillies, a man originally from Scotland who had been reported missing.
The remains were found near Sweetwater Gap in Fremont County, Wyoming, on 6 September of the previous year. Experts estimate that Gillies, who would have turned 69 this year, died in the Wind River Mountains sometime in 2019.
John Gillies was originally from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire. Personal effects recovered with the remains enabled the Sublette County Sheriff's Office to locate Gillies' ex-wife, who resides in the US. She contributed to the identification process by providing photographs, medical records, and biographical information.
"I wanted you to know he was more than bones," she told officers.
Investigation and Family Notification
The investigation subsequently involved St Mary's Church in Kirkintilloch, Scotland. On 18 September, church officials assisted in contacting Gillies' surviving family members and facilitated an international death notification.
With the cooperation of Interpol and Police Scotland, DNA samples were obtained from Gillies' relatives, which led to a forensic breakthrough in confirming the identity of the remains.
Discovery and Search Efforts
Staff from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department initially found the remains near the Sweetwater Gap Guard Station on 6 September. A secondary search was conducted four days later, involving personnel from the county sheriff's office, Sublette County Search and Rescue, and the US Forest Service. This 14-member team covered approximately 20 miles (32 km) of challenging terrain.
On 28 December, an anthropologist estimated that approximately 85% of the skeletal remains had been recovered and concluded that the remains had been present for about six years.
Forensic Analysis and Identification
Following the completion of the forensic anthropology report, DNA samples and skeletal remains were sent to the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory in Cheyenne on 11 February for comparison.
Investigators received confirmation on a recent Tuesday that the remains were biologically related to the family reference samples collected in Scotland, enabling experts to positively identify the remains as those of John Gillies.
At the request of the family, the county sheriff's office and the Sublette County Coroner's Office are collaborating with Interpol to coordinate the repatriation of Gillies' remains to Scotland.
"This case is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved and the strength of partnerships that extend well beyond our county and even our nation's borders.
What began as the discovery of unidentified remains in a remote area of Wyoming ultimately brought together local, state, federal, and international partners with one shared goal - to give a family answers.
We are grateful to everyone who played a role in helping bring John home."
— Sheriff K C Lehr
