A family finally has answers about a man who went missing five years ago. But unfortunately, his remains were discovered by Illinois police officers in a stolen truck. It was submerged at the bottom of a river, raising multiple questions. 

The remains of a man missing for 5 years were found in a stolen truck 

The East Molina Police Department shared that the remains of Daniel Claeys were discovered in a stolen truck, spurring a homicide investigation. East Moline is about 160 miles southwest of Chicago. 

This provided answers to what happened to Claeys after he was reported missing five years ago. His remains were in a truck that was reported stolen in 2017. However, the plot thickens as the truck was submerged at the bottom of the Mississippi River near a boat ramp. 

Police officers believed the truck was hidden from view under murky water for a long time. It was buried deep in the mud.But it’s unclear how the truck ended up in the river. 

Officers didn’t share who discovered the truck or how it was spotted. The remains weren’t discovered until after the truck pulled it out of the water. 

A DNA analysis by the Rock Island County Coroner’s officer confirmed that the DNA matched Claeys. He would be 36 if he was still alive today. 

According to The Tribune, the alleged murder of Daniel Claeys is currently being investigated. Police officers shared that investigators have been working on this case since the discovery. 

Investigators will work tirelessly to find out for the family the circumstances surrounding Daniel Claeys’ disappearance and death. 

His family has been notified, providing some closure as their loved one has been located. The official cause of death has not been shared with the public. He may have been murdered before entering the river.