The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival.
Forensic anthropologists from the Western Michigan University confirmed the identification by using dental records.
Despite the positive ID, Graves’ cause of death is still undetermined with no signs of foul play reported, according to police.
The festival-goer was last seen on July 1, 2018, at the Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury, a rural village in Oceana County about five miles from Lake Michigan.
His remains were found in a wooded area close to the festival grounds on Monday by hunters on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, which hosts the annual event.
Graves’ wallet, festival wristband and ID were also found with his remains, police confirmed.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement, ‘Now that we have positive identification of the remains, at least the family has some closure on where he is.
Bouchard added that ‘the next steps’ of the case will hopefully ‘determine what happened.’
Gary Graves, Kevin’s father, said police notified him on January 1 that investigators were ’99 percent sure’ the remains belonged to his son.
The remains of 28-year-old Kevin Graves have been found six years after he disappeared while attending the Electric Forest music festival
His remains were found in a wooded area near the festival grounds on Monday by hunters on private property near the 2,000-acre Double JJ Resort, which hosts the annual event
Gary recalled witnessing an interview with a couple who observed an emotional altercation between Kevin and his girlfriend during the event.
Kevin was reportedly seen crying and walking away from the argument.
Following this incident, Kevin disappeared without a trace.
He never returned home, did not access his bank accounts and his phone remained inactive.
Concerned, his girlfriend filed a missing person report with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on July 3, 2018.
Despite a comprehensive search effort involving state and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers, and volunteers, Kevin’s remains stayed hidden.
In 2023, a billboard featuring Kevin’s photo near the festival site asked attendees to report any information about his disappearance.
The Electric Forest festival, renowned for its unique blend of electronic music and jam bands, has consistently attracted tens of thousands of music enthusiasts to Rothbury each year since its inception in 2011.
The event, which includes camping and outdoor concerts, takes place at the sprawling Double JJ Resort.
Despite a comprehensive search effort involving state and local authorities, cadaver dogs, divers, and volunteers, Kevin had not been found
Despite the somber update, Gary expressed hope that the ongoing investigation will uncover details about what happened to his son.
‘I’m hoping they’re going to find something that’s going to help figure out what happened to him,’ he said.
