Skeletal remains discovered on a mountain in the United States have been confirmed to belong to a British man who went missing six years ago.
The remains of John Gillies, who would have turned 69 this year, were located near the Sweetwater Gap in Fremont County, Wyoming. His bones were uncovered on September 6, 2025, with experts determining that he likely passed away in the Wind River Mountains in 2019.
Personal belongings associated with Gillies, hailing from Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, were instrumental in locating his ex-wife. She aided in the positive identification process by providing photographs, medical records, and background information.
“I wanted you to see beyond the bones,” she expressed to the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office. Through collaborative efforts with Interpol and Police Scotland, DNA samples from Gillies’ relatives were obtained, leading to a significant breakthrough in forensic analysis.
Concurrently, a search operation was initiated in the US four days after the discovery of the remains, involving multiple search teams. A 14-member group covered approximately 20 miles of challenging terrain during the search efforts.
By December 28, approximately 85% of Gillies’ skeletal remains had been recovered, and it was determined that the remains had been in place for six years. Following the completion of forensic examinations, the samples and remains were transferred to the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory in Cheyenne on February 11. Subsequent comparisons with samples from Scotland confirmed their biological relation.
The confirmation facilitated the positive identification of the remains as belonging to Gillies. Family members have since requested the repatriation of the remains to Scotland.
Sheriff K C Lehr remarked, “This case underscores the commitment of all involved and the strength of partnerships that extend beyond county and national boundaries. It began with the discovery of unidentified remains in a remote Wyoming area and culminated in a collaborative effort to provide answers to a grieving family.”
“We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to bringing John back home,” Sheriff Lehr concluded.