x
Breaking News
More () »

Sheriff: Bones discovered near Hoover Dam identified as Michigan man

The bones were recovered in 2009 alongside some clothing, a towel and sleeping bag.
Credit: MCSO

MOHAVE COUNTY, Ariz. — A set of human bones found by highway construction workers near Hoover Dam in 2009 have recently been identified as belonging to a man from Michigan. 

The Mohave County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday that recent DNA testing has helped identify human remains found near Highway 93 as belonging to William Herman Hietamaki, who was last seen by his family in 1995 in New Mexico. 

The bones were recovered in 2009 with clothing, a towel and a sleeping bag.

MCSO said Hietamaki lived a nomadic lifestyle after leaving Michigan and had been traveling around the Southwest area. He had lived in Las Vegas at one point.

The medical examiner has not been able to determine how the man died but he likely died sometime between 2006 and 2008.

RELATED: Human remains found in shallow grave in Arizona identified as grandmother who may have been murdered

RELATED: Records: Tempe man put dead father in freezer 4 years ago because he didn't want to lose house

Watch 12News+ for free

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app!

The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives.

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX."

Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account, or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Before You Leave, Check This Out