Human Remains Found in Colorado in 1991 Identified as Indiana Man

Human remains found in a mountain pass in Colorado 33 years ago have been identified.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigative Cold Case Investigation Team and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office used Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) to identify the remains as those of Steven Kenneth Risku.

Their discovery was confirmed by “dental records and other investigative tools,” according to a press release from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Risku’s remains were originally found in 1991 at Wolf Creek Crossing in Mineral County after he disappeared in 1987, according to KMGH-TV.

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Stock image of Wolf Creek Pass.

Getty

He was born in Indiana on August 16, 1957. Although his last known address was in Indianapolis, his family told law enforcement agencies that he visited California “occasionally” and was known as an adventurer with a love of the outdoors.

Investigators have not released a reason for Risku’s trip to Colorado, and it remains unknown if foul play was involved in his death.

“Identifying Mr. Risku is a huge first step in providing answers to his family. If anyone has information on why or how Steven Risku was in a remote location at Wolf Creek Crossing or if anyone has additional questions, please contact the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office,” Mineral County Sheriff Terry Wetherill said in a release statement.

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Steven Kenneth Risku.

Colorado Bureau of Investigation

Heather Hall, Risku’s niece, told KMGH-TV that he disappeared a year before she was born.

“My family was really hoping to hear from him. We just expected him to still be out there,” she told the news outlet. The discovery, however, gave her family a chance to “put him to sleep.”

“This was not the outcome we wanted, but at the same time, we were able to bring my uncle home where he belonged and lay him to rest,” she said.

Hall told the news station they first learned of the discovery in January. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to interesting human stories.

“It was obviously a huge shock that he was dead the whole time, and our family had held out hope that he was alive for so long. It’s like we’re grieving a little bit all over again,” she said.

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Source: HIS Education