Remains of Scottish man who vanished camping in Wyoming six years ago identified

Skeletal remains found in the American wilderness have been identified as John Gillies, a 63-year-old Scot who disappeared while camping near Sweetwater Gap, Wyoming, six years ago. Forest workers discovered the remains in September 2025, prompting a ten-month investigation by the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) that spanned two countries. Investigators recovered some of Gillies’ personal items near the scene and contacted Saint Mary’s Church in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, where he was originally from. DNA samples obtained from living relatives confirmed the remains were his, with the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory providing the match on June 30, 2026. 'I wanted you to know he was more than bones,' his ex-wife told investigators, her compassion praised by the SCSO. 'Every unidentified person is someone’s loved one,' the sheriff’s office said in a statement. At the family’s request, the SCSO is now working with Interpol to return Gillies’ remains to Scotland. Sublette County Sheriff K.C. Lehr added: '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.'