By Allison Peck | The Post
SCOTTS BLUFF COUNTY, Neb. — Human remains discovered last month near Scotts Bluff National Monument have been confirmed Monday night through DNA testing to be those of Chance Engelbert, the Wyoming man who vanished in July 2019.
Engelbert, then 25, went missing after walking away from a family gathering in Gering. Despite years of searches, public attention, and ongoing efforts by law enforcement, no trace of him was found until October, when a person in a rural area on the north side of the monument reported finding remains and personal items.
Those items matched descriptions provided by Engelbert’s family, prompting forensic testing that has now officially identified the remains.
On Monday, Engelbert’s mother, Dawn Engelbert, issued a public statement confirming what investigators shared with her family:
“As most have already read on Facebook, unfortunately including our family before I could let them know, that the DNA confirmed that it was Chance. I was on the phone with Gering PD when it was posted. All I can say is, that this is not any type of closure to us — will just always be more questions. I am told that the State Attorney will be doing a press release Wednesday and his remains will be released to his next of kin at that time. I thank you for all the support, prayers and love! Please stay kind and careful what you post!”
Authorities have not released details regarding the cause or manner of death. Officials say additional forensic analysis is underway, and more information is expected following the State Attorney’s planned press release later this week.
Engelbert’s disappearance has remained one of the region’s most followed missing-person cases for more than six years. The confirmation of his remains answers long-standing questions about his whereabouts but leaves the circumstances of his final moments unresolved.
This is a developing story. Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.