Human skull found in Cavendish identified as that of a man missing since 2010

DNA evidence helped forensic investigators identify human remains discovered in 2020 as those of a Cavendish man who apparently disappeared ten years earlier, but the cause of his death remains a mystery. (Archive photo)

Cavendish, VT- A human skull discovered in 2020 in Cavendish has been identified through DNA testing as that of a man who disappeared ten years earlier, in the summer of 2010.

Police said he was Bryan Gomez, of Cavendish, who was 48 years old when he went missing in June 2010. A neighbor reported Gomez missing on July 6, after not seeing him for almost a month.

The skull was found by a hunter in the Cavendish woods in November 2020. Forensic scientists were able to compare the recovered DNA to that of Gomez's siblings and found strong evidence of a relationship. Earlier this year, Vermont's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that the evidence was strong enough to identify Gomez's remains.

A press release issued Monday said: “The Vermont State Police thanks the individuals and agencies involved in the search for Mr. Gomez over the years and the work to positively identify him, and expresses its Deepest condolences to Mr. Gomez's family and friends on their loss.”

Even though the remains were able to be identified, investigators still don't know what caused Gomez's death. Police are asking anyone who may know what happened to call Sgy. Jason Lengfellner at 802-722-4600, or submit an anonymous tip online.