Genetic testing reveals remains belong to Gary Frank Sotherden, who went missing in the 1970s.

A human skull discovered in 1997 in a remote area of Alaska’s Interior has been identified as belonging to Gary Frank Sotherden, a New York man who likely died in a bear attack, according to state authorities.

The skull was found in July 1997 by a hunter near the Porcupine River, approximately 8 miles from the Canadian border. Despite an initial search by state troopers, no other remains were located. The skull was sent to the state’s medical examiner’s office, where it was classified as unidentified, with bear mauling suspected as the cause of death.

In April, cold case investigators used genetic genealogy to match the remains to Sotherden. They contacted a relative, who provided a DNA sample that confirmed the identity. The relative explained that Sotherden had been dropped off to hunt in the area during the early to mid-1970s.

The identification of the remains was confirmed in late December. Authorities have not disclosed further details, such as the type of bear involved or Sotherden’s exact hometown.