Authorities identify remains found in Park County 

CODY (WNE) — The remains of a missing person, found in Park County last August, were recently identified as Kyle Ellis of Sheridan. His family had reported him missing almost seven years ago, according to the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office.

At this time, there is no indication foul play was involved in Ellis’ death, and it appears he likely died from exposure to inclement weather, the office said.

“We hope this brings closure to Kyle’s parents, his family, friends and our community,” Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez said. “Kyle’s family has been nothing but supportive and patient throughout these years, and our thoughts and prayers are with them through this time.”

In August 2025, the Park County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office and advised human remains had been found on public land west of Cody. The investigation by Park County led them to believe the human remains might be of Ellis. 

A missing person report was made by Ellis’ family in January 2018, as he had not been seen or heard from for several days. He was 29 years old at the time, and had a propensity to take religious journeys, primarily by foot and often for weeks at a time, but he had always kept in contact with his family through Facebook.

The Sheridan County Sheriff’ Office’s investigation determined Ellis was last observed at the Bear Lodge Resort in the Bighorn Mountains on January 8, 2018, and was later given a ride to Greybull. Since then, there had been no new developments or investigative leads on the case.

This story was published on Oct. 20, 2025.