Amanda Melton says the man's family has asked that his name be withheld, but he was 84-years old and from Louisville. He had been reported missing on September 9 and his body was found near the Brookport Bridge on September 18, 2018.
“These are cases that really stay with you,” Melton said. “We knew there was someone missing their loved one, but could not confirm his identity with the information we had at that time. I am thankful this family now has some answers.”
The man was identified thanks to the work of her staff, McCracken Sheriff's Detectives, the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office, the Louisville Metro Homicide/Missing Persons Unit, and NamUS Regional Specialist, Amy Dobbs.
NamUS is the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, which provides technology, forensic services and investigative support to resolve missing persons cases.
Melton, with assistance from Lindsey Funeral Home, Wilbert Vault Company, Rose Garden Florist and local police and volunteer agencies, arranged a graveside funeral for the then-unidentified man on May 29, 2019. He was laid to rest at Wilmington Cemetery, his grave marker donated by J.W. Reynolds monument Company.
Melton was notified of the match by NamUS in November and she contacted the family.
“I shared with this man’s family that our community had done the very best they possibly could to honor their loved one,” said Melton. “They have expressed their sincere appreciation, but wish to maintain their privacy at this time,” she added.
According to NamUS, 66 unidentified person cases currently remain open across Kentucky.
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