Summary
In May 2007, skeletal remains belonging to an unidentified individual were discovered in a remote area of Ravalli County, Montana. On May 11, 2007, hikers reported finding the remains near the Flat Creek Trail in the West Fork Ranger District of the Bitterroot National Forest, southwest of Conner, Montana. The remains were located off a road in the Westfork area and were found near camping equipment.
The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office and the West Fork Ranger District jointly handled the initial response, issuing a news release under Sheriff Chris Hoffman. The remains were transported to the state crime lab in Missoula on the evening of their discovery. Investigators believe the remains belong to a White man who was approximately 35 to 60 years old at the time of his death. The man was estimated to be between 5'5" and 5'11" tall and likely died several months prior to the discovery of his remains.
Several personal items were recovered with or near the remains, including a blue-black medium zip-up jacket, windbreaker-style pants with a black elastic waistband, and a turquoise Glacier’s Edge sleeping bag.
Despite investigative efforts, the individual’s identity remains unknown. Details of the case were entered into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System as UP7458. The case was also assigned medical examiner case number 07-05-11.
The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is now working with Othram to determine if advanced forensic DNA testing can help identify this individual. At Othram, scientists will use Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing® to build a comprehensive DNA profile suitable for forensic genetic genealogy research. Othram’s in-house genealogy team will then use this profile to conduct research and generate new investigative leads for law enforcement.
A DNASolves® crowdfund has been established to cover the costs associated with this case.
Your support can make a difference in helping identify this individual and provide answers to surviving family members. Please consider donating to the DNASolves® crowdfund to help support this investigation.
Dan Miller
Director of Customer Service
Dan guides law enforcement agencies across the United States and internationally through every step of the forensic process—from crime scene to courtroom. He ensures investigators have the support and resources they need to navigate advanced DNA testing and maximize the impact of forensic evidence in their cases.