Bones Found In Shelby Township Woods Belong To Man Missing Since 2013

SHELBY TWP. (WWJ/AP) - Authorities say skeletal remains found in a wooded area in Macomb County are those of a man missing since 2013.

The remains were discovered Saturday afternoon in a subdivision that is under development off Barberry Drive, in the area of 25 Mile and Dequindre roads in Shelby Township. Police say a man walking his dog found a bone near a creek that appeared to be human and investigators discovered other human bones in the area.

The remains are identified as those of George Vanderweit, a retired pastor from nearby Rochester.

An investigation to determine cause of death is ongoing, but foul play isn't suspected. Rochester police handled the missing person case.

Vanderweit, who retired in 2008, had been missing from his home since July 5, 2013 after going on a bike ride. The 70-year-old had been released from a mental health care facility the day before he disappeared. Search crews battled 80 degree temperatures for days as they combed through marshes and heavily wooded areas for any signs of Vanderweit. The search included multiple law enforcement and governmental agencies, several tracking dogs and air units, in addition to a large contingent of volunteers.

It's unknown if Vanderweit's final resting place was searched when he first went missing.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.