Skeletal remains discovered by a fisherman on Saturday near Gross Reservoir in the Boulder County foothills have been identified as those of Ryder Johnson, the Lafayette man who went missing in January 2016.
The Boulder County coroner confirmed the identification Thursday afternoon, adding that the cause and manner of Johnson’s death are pending further investigation.
Johnson’s family thanked the community for searching thousands of acres around Walker Ranch, and commended first responders and law enforcement for their efforts in a statement that was issued along with the coroner’s notice.
“After a year and a half, it is with mixed emotions that we receive the news of the recovery of Ryder’s remains,” the statement by Rick, Cindy and Taylor Johnson read. “The journey of a missing child and sibling is an especially difficult and uncertain one, but we have sustained and lifted up by faith, hope and love.
“We are saddened by the loss of our son and brother, relieved that we can finally bring Ryder home and grateful for the 20 years he enriched our lives.”
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