(Pinedale, Wyoming – July 2, 2026) — The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the identity of human remains discovered near Sweetwater Gap in September 2025, bringing closure to a mystery that had remained unsolved for nearly ten months. Authorities announced that the remains have been positively identified as John Gillies, a Scottish man who would have turned 69 this year. The discovery was made after deputies responded to reports of scattered human bones in the remote wilderness near the Sweetwater Gap Guard Station, located in the rugged Wind River Range.
When investigators first arrived at the scene, they found skeletal remains spread across difficult terrain, along with a tent and several personal belongings. Among the items recovered was an identification card, which provided an initial clue about the possible identity of the deceased. However, confirming that identity required months of extensive investigative work.
The case evolved into an international effort, spanning two countries and involving multiple agencies. Investigators worked closely with Interpol, law enforcement officials in Scotland, and the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory to compare records and conduct DNA analysis. Officials said the process involved gathering evidence and securing DNA samples from overseas to make a definitive match. The complexity of the case and the remote location of the remains made the investigation especially challenging.
Gillies had reportedly been missing, and the identification now provides long-awaited answers for those who knew him. One emotional statement shared by his former wife reflected the personal side of the tragedy, saying, “I wanted you to know he was more than bones.” Authorities have not released further details about how Gillies died, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing. The identification marks a significant step in understanding what happened in Wyoming’s isolated backcountry.
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