Missing Grand Canyon hiker identified 14 years later through DNA

After 14 years since going missing, DNA has identified a dead Grand Canyon National Park hiker.

William Anthony "Bill" Ott, 65, of Oregon, who was reported missing in May 2012, was identified through DNA analysis, the Coconino County Sheriff's Office in Arizona said in a press release posted July 22 on social media.

Ott's remains were found in December by members of the Hualapai Tribe in the general area where the large search was conducted after his disappearance, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office said the agency worked with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to identify Ott. It was not immediately clear when the identification happened, but the press release was dated July 16.

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Ott went on a three-week, solo hiking trip through the Hualapai Tribal Reservation on April 5 and was due back on April 28 and reported missing 12 days after, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. His last known contact was the date he started his trip, according to NamUs.

No cause of death had been provided as of July 22.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Missing Grand Canyon hiker identified 14 years later through DNA