Human remains found by a stream have been identified as a missing Tennessee man who vanished nearly seven years ago after telling family he was going for a walk.
William Cross, 29, disappeared after being dropped off on Williamsburg Street in Whitley, Kentucky, on May 18, 2018, just 30 miles from his Scott County, Tennessee home.
He was last heard from that night when he told a family member that he was walking in the woods, reported WVLT.
‘The call disconnected, and Cross was not seen alive or heard from thereafter,’ his missing persons bulletin obtained by WATE said.
In October 2023, a Kentucky teenager made the grisly discovery of partial human remains while hiking through a wooded area off of Sweeney Drive in Revelo, reported the McCreary Journal.
The McCreary County Sheriff’s Office was notified of the discovery and began searching the area.
With the help of members of Southeast Search and Rescue, Inc. (SSR, Inc.) and their tools and a cadaver dog, additional human remains were located.
The remains were collected sent for examination. However, they were not identified as Cross until March 21.
William Cross, 29, disappeared after being dropped off in on Williamsburg Street in Whitley, Kentucky, on May 18, 2018
Cross (pictured with his nieces and nephew) was last heard from that night when he told a family member that he was walking in the woods
His remains were found in October 2023 and were officially identified on March 21
The identification process for the remains was lengthy, involving forensic, anthropological, and DNA experts from multiple states, according to the McCreary Journal.
Police made the identification using Cross’ mother’s DNA to prove the probability of a relationship is 100 percent.
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Cross’ family had been notified and thanked their partners in Kentucky for their cooperation.
‘We ask that the community keep the family, friends, and all those involved in your thoughts and prayers,’ the sheriff’s office said.
His sister, Ashley Cross, has launched a GoFundMe for the family to pay for the search and burial of the rest of his remains.
‘Only partial remains were found. So we will be out this week with law enforcement searching for the rest of my brother,’ she said.
‘Those remains will have to be sent off. So we will be paying for cremation twice. This is not a typical situation, nor is it easy.’
The family said they are devastated to have to continue the search for his remains and are desperately seeking answers to what happened to him.
His sister, Ashley Cross, has launched a GoFundMe for the family to pay for the search and burial of the rest of his remains
Police made the identification using Cross’ mother’s DNA to prove the probability of a relationship is 100 percent
The family said they are devastated to have to continue the search for his remains and are desperately seeking answers to what happened to him
‘My heart and soul is crushed. No one should have to go out to find the rest of their loved one,’ Ashley said.
‘No one should have to search for someone for years. My mother and I are asking for any help possible to make this process any bit easier.’
His obituary revealed that he is survived by his mother, stepfather, sister, and several nieces and nephews.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .