Skeletal Remains Found in Upstate New York Believed to be Missing Man

Human skeletal remains that were discovered in a wooded area by a surveying crew in Hudson, New York last month have been identified.

Back on December 9th, 2024, the City of Hudson Police Department was called to respond to a call that reported that a survey crew uncovered skeletal remains while they were working near a wooded area in Columbia County, NY.

Skeletal Remains Found in Hudson, New York

According to reports the surveying crew was working along Mill Street in the City of Hudson, NY on Monday, December 9th at approximately 11:18 a.m. when they discovered the skeletal remains. The crew contacted local authorities who responded and began an investigation. Upon arrival, officers and detectives were able to confirm that the remains were that of a human and began an investigation alongside the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Forensic Identification Unit to identify the remains.

Human Skeletal Remains Found in Hudson, NY Identified

According to a press release, authorities are now able to confirm that the remains are those of Robert J. Coons of Hudson, NY. Police provided an update on Facebook stating that the femur bone discovered on 12/9 was sent to the New York State Forensic Investigation Center in Albany, NY on December 10th. A few weeks later on January 3rd the Hudson Police Department received a report stating that the DNA extracts were tested and the results matched that of Mr. Coons.

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Police proceeded to contact the Coons family immediately to share the report's findings in hopes to give the family closure.

Missing Since 2023

Coons was reported missing back in July of 2023 by family members and since then the Hudson Police Department has had an open investigation into his whereabouts. The investigation was ongoing leading up to the discovery of the remains but it's still unclear what happened.

Police did say that following the autopsy, Dr. NG advised the department that Mr. Coons cause of death is undetermined at this time. The doctor did say his findings do not suggest that there were any signs of trauma or anything that indicates foul play.