BOX ELDER COUNTY — Investigators have identified the skeletal remains that ware found last weekend by individuals looking for shed antlers. The remains were located April 27, near Hansel Mountains, southeast of Snowville.
According to Box Elder County Sheriff Chief Deputy Cade Palmer, the sheriff’s office responded to investigate. Box Elder County Search and Rescue were also called to assist. The skeletal remains were recovered and sent to the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner for further processing and to determine an identity.
On Friday, Palmer said medical examiners had used dental records to identify the remains as Matthew Broncho. The 29-year-old Idaho man was reported missing five years ago.
On March 24, 2019, the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Fort Hall Police Department in Idaho that Broncho was missing from Fort Hall. Police reported his abandoned pick-up truck had been found on I-84 exit 7 in Snowville. His wallet and phone were left in the truck. It was reported that his dog was also missing.
Palmer said deputies initiated an investigation and search at the time. On March 27, Broncho’s dog was found wandering a few miles west of Snowville. Despite search efforts conducted by multiple agencies and volunteers in both Utah and Idaho, he was never located.
Since his disappearance, a joint investigation between the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Hall Police Department had been ongoing.
Palmer extended condolences to Broncho’s family. He said, “Although this is difficult news to receive and there are still unanswered questions, we hope they can find some comfort in knowing that he has been found.”