Human Remains Found in Woods Identified as Man Who Hadn’t Been Seen by Family in Over 20 Years

Human Remains Found in Tennessee Woods Identified as Man Missing for Over 20 Years

Human remains discovered in a wooded area in Tennessee in 2020 have finally been identified as belonging to a man who went missing over two decades ago. The remains of Gerald J. Forsman were found near a residence on Overbrook Drive in Knoxville on May 20, 2020. Initially, the forensic pathologist determined that the remains belonged to a man aged between 55 and 70, but the cause and manner of death remained unknown.

Despite exhaustive efforts using traditional forensic methods to identify the individual, it wasn’t until 2023 that a breakthrough was made. A DNA sample from the remains was sent to Othram, a private laboratory known for its expertise in forensic genetic genealogical DNA testing. In August 2025, after analyzing the DNA, Othram informed authorities that they had identified possible relatives of the deceased in Michigan.

After family members provided DNA samples for comparison, Othram was able to confirm that the remains were indeed those of Gerald J. Forsman, who originally hailed from Livonia, Michigan. One person contacted by authorities revealed that they had not seen Forsman for 22 years. Forsman was born on February 27, 1958, indicating that he was 45 years old at the time of his disappearance.

Public records indicated that Forsman was residing in Knoxville when he went missing, although the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center expressed gratitude to the agencies involved in identifying Forsman, highlighting the crucial role played by Congressman Tim Burchett’s Community Project Funding request in enabling the forensic genetic genealogical testing that led to this breakthrough.

This case marks the eighth cold case solved through this initiative and the 26th identification in Tennessee utilising Othram’s technology. The persistence and advancements in forensic genealogy have once again shed light on a long-standing mystery, providing closure to Forsman’s family and loved ones after over two decades of uncertainty.

Amidst the somber news of Forsman’s identification, it serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of missing persons cases on families and communities. The discovery and identification of human remains, no matter how long ago the disappearance occurred, underline the importance of continued efforts in solving cold cases and bringing closure to those left behind.

As technology and forensic techniques continue to evolve, cases like Forsman’s offer hope that even the oldest and most perplexing mysteries can eventually be unravelled. The collaborative efforts between law enforcement, forensic experts, and genetic genealogists demonstrate the power of persistence and innovation in solving complex cases that have long remained unresolved.

The identification of Gerald J. Forsman stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for those who have gone missing. While the circumstances of his disappearance may never be fully known, his remains have now been laid to rest, bringing a sense of closure to a chapter that had remained open for over two decades.