Skeletal remains discovered on a mountain in the United States have been positively identified as those of a British man who went missing six years ago.
The remains belong to John Gillies, who would have turned 69 this year. They were located near the Sweetwater Gap in Fremont County, Wyoming, on September 6, 2025. Forensic experts believe he perished in the Wind River Mountains in 2019.
Personal belongings of Gillies, originally from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, were instrumental in locating his ex-wife, who provided crucial information such as photographs and medical history to aid in the identification process.
Following collaboration with Interpol and Police Scotland, DNA samples from Gillies’ relatives facilitated a breakthrough in confirming his identity. In the US, a comprehensive search involving multiple teams was initiated shortly after the discovery of the remains, covering a challenging 20-mile terrain in the area.
By December 28, approximately 85% of Gillies’ skeletal remains had been recovered, with experts determining that they had been there for six years. Subsequent forensic analysis led to the samples and remains being sent to the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory in Cheyenne on February 11. After comparing the samples, investigators received confirmation that they matched those collected in Scotland.
This confirmation enabled authorities to definitively identify the remains as belonging to Gillies. His family has since requested repatriation of the remains to Scotland.
Sheriff K C Lehr commended the collaborative efforts of all involved, emphasizing the unity among local, state, federal, and international partners in achieving the common goal of providing closure to the family.
“We appreciate the collective effort that brought John back home,” Sheriff Lehr stated.