Remains of Missing Penn. Man Found Nearly a Year After His Disappearance

The case of a missing Pennsylvania man has taken a tragic turn following the discovery of his remains nearly a year after his disappearance. Mark Hicks, who was 39 years old, went missing from Hanover on June 22, 2025. His family, who had been frantically searching for him, received the devastating news on May 15, 2026, when the York County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the remains found in a wooded area along East Middle Street.

The remains were uncovered on April 16, 2026, triggering a formal investigation led by Coroner Tania Zech. Through the utilisation of dental records, officials confirmed that the remains belonged to Hicks. The coroner has determined that Hicks’ cause of death was asphyxiation, with the manner of death ruled as suicide. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death remains ongoing, but the family has been notified.

Hicks was last seen leaving his brother’s home at around 5:00 a.m. on the day of his disappearance. According to reports from The Doe Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to linking missing person cases with unidentified remains, he was believed to have travelled to nearby New Oxford and was spotted later that day at a 7-Eleven. There, he was seen entering a maroon truck alongside an ex-girlfriend.

At the time of his disappearance, Hicks was reported to be wearing a camouflage shirt and black ‘HEYDUDE’ shoes. His family indicated that he did not have a fixed residence and was known to travel on foot within the Hanover area. On the day he vanished, he lacked a mobile phone, money, or a vehicle, which raised concerns about his well-being, prompting extensive searches by local authorities.

In light of Hicks’ disappearance, police investigations included checks at nearby homeless shelters and encampments where he might have sought refuge, according to reports from local media outlet, The Evening Sun. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, no leads emerged until the discovery of his remains.

Hicks is among three men who went missing from the Hanover region around the same timeframe. Ben Garrett, aged 36, was reported missing on May 21, 2025, with no updates or leads on his case following his disappearance. Meanwhile, Matthew Meredith, who was 41, went missing in early June 2025; his body was located on June 11, 2025, in Conewago Township.

The families of missing individuals have been profoundly affected by these events, particularly as searches often yield little hope. The community has rallied in support of those like the Garret family, who continue to hold out hope for Ben, while mourning the loss of those who have been recovered.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, emotional distress, substance use problems, or in need of conversation, it is important to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted via call or text at 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for support available 24/7.

The belated confirmation of Hicks’ remains serves not only as a closure for his family but also highlights the broader concerns surrounding mental health and the importance of community support in times of crisis. As investigations continue, authorities hope to piece together more information related to the cases of those still missing in the area.