Human remains that were found in a pickup truck submerged in the Mississippi River have been confirmed as belonging to a man who disappeared in 2019, according to officials in Illinois.

Chief Jeff Ramsey of the East Moline Police Department stated in a written release that the case is still being treated as a homicide.

The identified remains belong to Daniel Claeys, who was reported missing around the age of 30. His family reported his disappearance in 2019, and it was revealed that the truck he was found in had been stolen back in 2017.

Authorities discovered the vehicle, which was deep in mud, in September while investigating near a boat launch in East Moline. DNA testing subsequently enabled them to identify Claeys.

In a statement made on Thursday, Chief Ramsey noted that the family has been informed and can find some degree of closure with the knowledge that their loved one has been located.

Despite this identification, law enforcement continues to prioritize the investigation into Claeys’ disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death, seeking answers and justice for the case.