Skeletal Remains Found in Drained Swamp Nearly 35 Years Ago Identified as Man Who Disappeared in 1976

Remains Discovered in Drained Swamp Identified as Man Missing Since 1976

In a perplexing turn of events, skeletal remains found in a drained swamp in New York back in 1991 have finally been identified as those of a man who disappeared nearly 35 years earlier in 1976. The New York State Police recently confirmed that the remains belong to Mikolai Celesz, who was 76 years old at the time of his disappearance.

The discovery of human bones took place on September 14, 1991, after the swamp located off Woods Road in the Town of Greenville, Orange County, was drained. Authorities found a skull and additional skeletal remains concentrated within a seven-foot radius, with parts of the remains buried under approximately one foot of soil.

Despite the presence of several personal effects near the remains, the items did not provide any substantial information about the individual’s identity due to the extended period of time and exposure to the elements underwater. An extensive investigation ensued over several years without a definitive identification being made by state police.

In 2024, the New York State Police turned to Othram, a forensic laboratory specializing in human identification from degraded samples. Othram successfully generated a comprehensive DNA profile from the skeletal remains, leading to a forensic genetic genealogy search by law enforcement.

Furthermore, personal property recovered from the scene of the discovery was sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Questioned Documents Unit, where it was determined that the victim may have hailed from Port Jervis, New York. The Port Jervis Police Department managed to locate a missing person report for Mikolai Celesz dated October 1, 1976, when he went missing.

After extensive research and DNA analysis involving Celesz’s family members, the New York State Police conclusively identified the remains as belonging to the long-lost man. The circumstances surrounding Celesz’s disappearance from 1976 still remain under investigation according to Othram.

This identification is noted as the 17th case in New York where an individual has been publicly identified utilising Othram’s technology. The New York State Police expressed gratitude to the FBI, Department of Homeland Security Investigations, and the City of Port Jervis Police Department for their unwavering support which brought much-needed closure to Mikolai’s family after more than four decades.

Individuals with any information concerning Celesz’s disappearance are urged to reach out to NYSP Troop F Communications at (845) 344-5300, referencing case number 3021756.

The identification of Mikolai Celesz after all these years serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough investigative work and advancements in forensic technology. The closure provided to his family underscores the significance of never giving up hope in solving long-standing mysteries and bringing answers to those left behind.

As we navigate through the details of this intriguing case, we are reminded of the dedication and commitment of law enforcement agencies and forensic experts in unravelling the mysteries of the past and bringing closure to families affected by unexplained disappearances.