Skeletal remains discovered in the American wilderness have been identified as a Scottish man who vanished while camping six years ago. John Gillies, 63, disappeared near Sweetwater Gap, Wyoming, in 2020, but his remains were only found in September 2025 by forest workers.
Discovery and identification
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) located some of Gillies's personal items near the scene. They contacted Saint Mary’s Church in Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, where Gillies originally came from. DNA samples obtained from living relatives confirmed the remains were his.
Gillies's ex-wife told investigators: 'I wanted you to know he was more than bones.'
International investigation
The SCSO stated: 'In September 2025, the SCSO responded to a call of human remains located near Sweetwater Gap. Following a ten-month investigation, the SCSO has identified the remains as John Gillies. The investigation spanned two countries and included the assistance of Interpol, Scottish law enforcement and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory.'
'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.'
Return to Scotland
The sheriff's office added: 'At the family’s request, the sheriff’s office is now working with Interpol to return Mr Gillies’ remains to Scotland so he may finally be laid to rest at home.'
Sublette County Sheriff K.C. Lehr commented: '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.'
