Human remains found at a nature preserve were identified as those of United Airlines executive Jacob Cefolia, who had been missing for more than a year, an autopsy confirmed recently, according to the New York Post.
The 50-year-old was found hanging from a belt on an uprooted tree in a forested area of the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien, Illinois, DuPage County Forest Preserve Chief David Pederson said on Sunday.
In a press release, Pederson explained there were no signs of foul play and the issue was part of a current death investigation:
Contractors working at Waterfall Glen on Friday found human remains south of the youth-group campground. Cefolia was reported missing on Aug. 8, 2020, and his vehicle was found parked outside Waterfall Glen. Cefolia was never found despite an extensive search of the 2,503-acre forest preserve that included multiple police agencies, volunteers and trained bloodhounds.
His wallet, driver’s license, and a backpack carrying personal items were located at the scene. Clothes matching what he was last seen wearing were also found.
Cefolia was located in an area authorities had searched numerous times. It has a dense tree canopy, thick briars, and dense vegetation, and was not near the place officers found Cefolia’s vehicle parked, according to Pederson.
Aerial video footage showed authorities searching the preserve in August 2020:
His body was identified by a forensic odontologist who used dental records, according to the Post report.
“On behalf of the Forest Preserve District, I would like to send our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” Pederson commented. “We hope this at least bring closure to his family and friends.”
United Airlines released a statement that read, “We were sad to hear the news about our former colleague Jake and our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” according to CBS Chicago.
“And we remain grateful for the support and prayers that so many of our employees – including Jake’s co-workers – have shared with one another and on his behalf over the past year,” it concluded.