EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Human remains discovered three months ago in a pickup truck in the Mississippi River have been identified as a man who was reported missing in 2019, Illinois authorities said.

“The East Moline Police Department continues to investigate this incident as a homicide,” Chief Jeff Ramsey said in a written statement.

The remains were identified as Daniel Claeys, a local man who was in his early 30s when his family said he was missing in 2019. The pickup truck was reported stolen in 2017.

The vehicle, buried in deep mud, was found in September in the Mississippi River near a boat ramp in East Moline. DNA helped investigators determine the identity of the remains.

“Family has been notified and they now have some closure knowing their family member has been located,” Ramsey said Thursday.

He said investigators will continue to try to solve Claeys' disappearance and death.

Commack park honoring breast cancer survivors opens ... Preview of Billy Joel's bikes ahead of auction ... Yanks swept out of ALDS Credit: Newsday

Filings: 7-year-old was left home alone for a day 6 months before she died ... LI employers stole nearly $4M from their workers ... Flock reps meeting with Suffolk lawmakers ... Wet weather on the way

Commack park honoring breast cancer survivors opens ... Preview of Billy Joel's bikes ahead of auction ... Yanks swept out of ALDS Credit: Newsday

Filings: 7-year-old was left home alone for a day 6 months before she died ... LI employers stole nearly $4M from their workers ... Flock reps meeting with Suffolk lawmakers ... Wet weather on the way

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME