Skeletal remains in remote American wilderness identified as British man who vanished six years ago

A British man who disappeared while camping in the American wilderness six years ago has finally been identified.

John Gillies, 63, went missing near Sweetwater Gap in Wyoming in around 2020.

Forest workers discovered his skeletal remains in September 2025.

That sparked a 10-month investigation by the Sublette County Sheriff's Office, which has only now reached its conclusion.

Mr Gillies is understood to have been originally from Kirkintilloch in Dunbartonshire.

Detectives spent months rigorously working to establish the identity of the body.

The case required cooperation between American and Scottish authorities to bring answers to his family.

Investigators found personal belongings at the scene which provided crucial leads in the case.

Officials then reached out to St Mary's Church in his hometown as part of their enquiries.

Church staff helped trace Mr Gillies' surviving relatives in Scotland, including his former wife.

Interpol and Police Scotland then coordinated to collect DNA samples from family members.

The sheriff's office has now confirmed that the remains had been positively identified.

A spokesman for the SCSO said: "In September 2025, the SCSO responded to a call of human remains located near Sweetwater Gap.

"Following a 10-month investigation, the SCSO has identified the remains as John Gillies.

MISSING PEOPLE - READ MORE:

• British tourist, 29, found dead after going missing without trace in South America
• Police issue chilling new update in search for missing Australian boy Gus Lamont
• Boy, 14, charged with murder after missing girl found dead in south Wales

"On June 30, 2026, investigators received confirmation from the Crime Laboratory that the remains were biologically related to both family reference samples collected in Scotland, positively identifying the deceased as John Gillies."

In a heartbreaking letter to investigators, Mr Gillies' ex-wife wrote: "I wanted you to know he was more than bones".

Her assistance proved invaluable throughout the investigation.

The sheriff's office is now coordinating with Interpol to repatriate Mr Gillies' remains to Scotland at his family's request.

Sublette County Sheriff, KC Lehr, said: "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 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."

An anthropologist examined the remains in December and estimated that approximately 85 per cent had been recovered.

The expert concluded the remains had been at the location for six years.

But despite the extensive probe, the cause of Mr Gillies' death is still unknown.

Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter