GERING – Authorities are investigating what they believe to be human skeletal remains found on the north side of Scotts Bluff National Monument, officials said Saturday.
Gering Police Capt. Jason Rogers said officers responded Friday afternoon after receiving a report from someone who spotted what appeared to be human bones. Officers confirmed the discovery appeared to be human skeletal remains.
Personnel from several agencies conducted detailed searches and recovery operations Friday and Saturday to examine the remains and nearby area for potentially related evidence. Two teams of cadaver dogs from Wyoming assisted in the search.
Responding agencies included Gering Police, Gering Fire and Rescue, Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office, Scottsbluff Police, National Park Service and the Scotts Bluff County CERT Team.
The discovery has sparked speculation the remains could belong to Chance Englebert, a Moorcroft, Wyoming man who vanished July 6, 2019, while visiting his in-laws in Gering. Englebert was 25 when he disappeared after walking away from a relative’s home following an argument.
In a social media post, Englebert’s family said law enforcement notified them directly of the discovery but emphasized there is no positive identification or additional evidence to confirm the individual is Chance. The family asked for patience and respect during what they called a critical juncture.
The remains were found about three to five miles from where Englebert was last seen on video surveillance walking alone in neighboring Terrytown.
Rogers said identification and determination of possible cause of death will be a lengthy process requiring forensic laboratory services.
The family asked for prayers as they await official confirmation, hoping the discovery brings closure whether for them or another family missing a loved one.
