Identity of the skull found in the Upper Harz finally clarified!

Identity of the skull found in the Upper Harz finally clarified!

In the Upper Harz, a discovery that caused a stir in May 2024 has now found a sad explanation. At that time, hikers came across a skeletonized human skull in a remote forest near Clausthal-Zellerfeld. This posed a challenge for police, requiring them to search the area over several days. But despite intensive searches, no further remains could be found. Things finally started to move on June 12, 2025, when the Goslar police station was able to clarify the identity of the dead man through a DNA comparison. The skull was taken to Hannover Medical School, where forensic doctors secured the genetic material.

The results of the DNA comparison show significant progress in modern forensic science. “DNA analyzes are often the key to identifying unknown deceased people,” explains the Federal Criminal Police Office. These technologies can obtain valuable information from even the smallest amounts of biological material such as blood or hair and thus contribute to solving missing person cases. In the present case, the comparison with the databases of the State Criminal Police Office led to the identity of the skull being revealed.

The missing 65-year-old

The person identified is a 65-year-old man from Wildemann who was reported missing by his relatives in spring 2023. The police have now confirmed that there is no evidence of a violent death. It is therefore not assumed that there has been a crime. This circumstance at least gives the relatives, who have suffered from uncertainty for over a year, an explanation about the fate of their relative.

From the beginning, the investigating officers tried to shed light on the background to the case and to take all necessary measures to clarify it. Despite the investigations that had been initiated, the skull, which had been the subject of so much debate, remained the only trace. Background information on DNA analysis underlines how important this technology is for identification and that it often plays an indispensable place in today's crime fighting.

Completion of the investigation

After the investigation was completed, the skull was released for burial. This is an important relief for the relatives, as they can now complete their mourning for the deceased in a more dignified manner. Despite the tragic circumstances, the case clearly shows how valuable modern technology is in solving missing person cases and how it can help to finally bring long-missing people back to their families.

For anyone who would like to learn more about the technical aspects of DNA analysis, this offers Federal Criminal Police Office comprehensive information. The successful comparison in this case is not only further proof of the possibilities of forensic diagnostics, but also a ray of hope for many families who are waiting for appropriate answers.

For more information about this mysterious find, read the articles at news38.de and ndr.de.