A human skull found along the banks of the Little Conemaugh River in Conemaugh Township in May has been positively identified as a man who has been missing for more than a year.

Cambria County officials said the human remains belong to Michael K. Theys Jr., 40, of Mineral Point.

Theys had been missing since Jan. 31, 2023, said Cambria County Coroner Jeff Lees and Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer during a news conference Tuesday.

A fisherman spotted the skull on May 16 and called 911, Neugebauer said, noting it was in a very remote location. The local fire company, using ropes, assisted in getting Lees and other officials down the embankment to the location.

Neugebauer said it was fortunate the fisherman was walking by and spotted the skull, due to its location, and said it may have been washed downstream during periods of high water in the spring. No additional remains were found despite the use of cadaver dogs, he said, adding that it is hoped further remains will be discovered as the investigation continues.

The skull was sent to Mercyhurst University, Erie, where Theys was positively identified using dental records, he said.

Theys had been missing for some time, Neugebauer said, and the case has now shifted from a missing person to a suspicious death investigation.

The report on Theys’ manner of death is inconclusive and officials have created a timeline of his whereabouts prior to his disappearance.

In addition, authorities are asking anyone with information about Theys, even something that may seem trivial, to come forward.

“Any little piece of information sometimes can open a case like this,” Neugebauer said.

Anyone with information should call 814-472-1680.