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Skeletal remains found on an American mountain have been identified as a British man who vanished six years ago.

The remains of John Gillies, who would be 69 this year, were found close to the Sweetwater Gap in Fremont County, Wyoming. His bones were found on September 6, 2025, and experts estimate he died on the Wind River Mountains at some point in 2019.

Personal items belonging to Gillies, from Kirkintilloch, in East Dunbartonshire, were used to find his ex-wife. She went on to assist in positively identifying him by sharing photos, medical information and details about his background.

"I wanted you to know he was more than bones," she told the Sublette County Sheriff's Office. Interpol and Police Scotland went on to obtain DNA samples from Gillies' relatives which led to a forensic breakthrough.

Meanwhile, in the US, another search was launched four days after the bones were found and involved multiple teams. The 14-member search team covered some 20 miles of rugged terrain, reports BBC News.

By December 28, it was estimated that 85 per cent of Gillies' skeletal remains had been recovered. Experts also concluded the remains had been in place for six years.

After forensic analysis was completed, the samples and skeletal remains were sent over to the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory Cheyenne, on February 11. There they were compared and on Tuesday this week, investigators obtained confirmation the samples were biologically related to samples that were collected in Scotland.

The confirmation finally allowed investigators to positively identify the remains as being Gillies. Family members have since requested having the remains be returned back to Scotland.

Sheriff K C 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 unidentified 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."