The remains of a Michigan man who went missing nearly 30 years ago have been identified near the Hoover Dam in Arizona. William Herman Hietamaki’s remains were found in 2009, but only identified in October 2024. The cause of death could not be determined due to the condition of the remains, but it is believed he may have died between 2006 and 2008. Hietamaki suffered from epileptic seizures.
The discovery was made by workers pouring cement near the dam who found bones and alerted authorities. Investigators also found other items including clothing and a sleeping bag. Despite efforts to identify him over the years, it wasn’t until 2024 that genetic genealogy technology was able to match his DNA to his relatives in Michigan.
Hietamaki was known for living a nomadic lifestyle, hitchhiking to various locations and living in different places. His family last saw him in 1995 when he visited his sister in New Mexico. Othram, a genetic lab, played a crucial role in identifying him, providing closure to his family.
The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office praised Othram’s dedication in solving the case and stated that Hietamaki’s family now has closure thanks to the efforts of the investigative team. His identification would not have been possible without the advancements in genetic technology and the collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
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