Death called 'suspicious': Mineral Point man identified in head death investigation | Cambria County

EBENSBURG, Pa. – Dental and tooth X-rays helped investigators link a skull found last month to a missing Mineral Point man, Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees said Tuesday.

Michael Theys, 40, was reported missing in January 2023, officials said.

His whereabouts were unknown until his skull was found May 16 along the banks of the Little Conemaugh River in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County.

“This went from a missing persons case … to a suspicious death,” Cambria County Prosecutor Greg Neugebauer said.

Lees and Neugebauer emphasized that the case was being classified as a suspicious death because they did not currently have enough information to determine the cause of Theys' death, or even the location of his death.

“Obviously this is an ongoing investigation, and it will be until we can get some answers,” Neugebauer said. “And we want to get answers for his family, his friends and for his memory.”

The fact that investigators were able to positively identify Theys is “a piece of the puzzle,” Neugebauer added.

But it's an important one, given the relative lack of evidence authorities had when the skull was first discovered by a man fishing in the river.

Lees said investigators were able to quickly narrow down the possibilities thanks to an examination by forensic anthropologist Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat of Mercyhurst University, who was able to conclude that the skull had been decomposing for a year or two.

Lees said investigators have focused on people recently reported missing, particularly in this area. They were able to match the teeth in the skull with the documentation of Theys' teeth through the X-ray images, he said.

“If we didn't have those dental records, we would have done a DNA comparison, and that could have taken … months,” Neugebauer said. “We were very lucky.”

Neugebauer said efforts were still underway to locate other remains, adding that it was likely the skull was moved when water levels rose during recent storms.

Lees said a final written report from Dirkmaat, aimed at providing additional details about the skull, was inconclusive as of Tuesday.

Lees said the cause and manner of death remain undetermined.

Officials urged the public to contact authorities with any information they have that could help the investigation — even details that might seem insignificant or known in the community.

What may seem unimportant can be crucial in this case, Neugebauer said.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 814-472-1680.

“Ultimately, we both want to get these answers,” Neugebauer said, “and I hope and pray that we do.”

David Hurst is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @TDDavidHurst.