A nearly 40-year-old cold case in Bonneville County was recently closed thanks to the advancements in DNA analysis.

For the first time since 1986, the family of Wayne Dee Heath can rest knowing what happened to their loved one.

While fishing with a friend on the south fork of the Snake River in Bonneville County just below the Palisades Dam, Wayne Dee Heath of Idaho Falls was last seen when an anchor rope became entangled in the propeller of their boat, according to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

“This caused the boat to quickly fill with water and Heath was unable to make it to shore safely,” the sheriff’s office said. “Witnesses stated Heath disappeared about one-fourth of a mile downstream from the dam, however, search efforts were unsuccessful and Heath’s body was never found.”

A promising development occurred in June 2009 when a local resident found a human tibia bone on a sandbar while fishing the Snake River near Heise in Jefferson County.

The bone was collected and turned over to law enforcement to work towards confirming who it may belong to.

In January 2013, the University of Texas Health Sciences was able to render a DNA profile for the tibia and enter its genetic data into the Unidentified Human Remains index of the Combined DNA Index System known as CODIS, the sheriff’s office said.

In February 2024, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office received notification from the University of Texas that genetic data associated with the tibia had been linked to family DNA reference samples for Heath’s natural son and sister. Advancements in technology and resources related to DNA collection over time ultimately led to confirmation the bone belonged to Mr. Heath.

“This discovery has allowed detectives to bring this case to a close and provide answers to the Heath family,” the sheriff’s office said. “The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the assistance of the University of Texas, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State University Department of Anthology and the Ada County Coroner’s Office in resolving this case.”

The sheriff’s office continued, “We recognize the importance of providing closure and answers to families who have missing loved ones. This case is a great example of partners and resources who work hard to apply advancements in DNA and technology to these cases decades later. Our hope in this instance is relief for the Heath family and peace of mind.”