A workman who was decorating a Christmas tree outside a funeral home in Byron Township spotted the roof of the vehicle in the water and alerted authorities.
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The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the call around 9 a.m. Tuesday and confirmed there was a vehicle in the pond.
WOOD-TV reports the body is believed to be that of Davie Lee Niles.
The 72-year-old disappeared on 11 October 2006 after leaving a bar in Byron. A wrecker pulled the auto from the pond and police discovered Niles’ skeletal remains in the front seat, along with his wallet.
The auto was in a pond next to Cook Funeral Home in Byron Township, Michigan.
Investigators said they are working to confirm the identity of the body through dental records, and will work to determine the cause of death.
Niles’ son-in-law, Scott Hathaway, told Woodtv.com that Niles was suffering from bone cancer and depression at the time of his disappearance.
His family lost hope in finding him and in 2011 they published an obituary for the 72-year-old man.
In an obituary to him, the family wrote at the time: “Davie Lee Niles, age 72, of Wyoming, passed away and only God knows the time and place”.
This screenshot shows the vehicle submerged in a pond on Google Maps.
His relatives came to the scene Tuesday and said the discovery of his remains gives them the closure they’ve been waiting years for.
“It’s good to have him home”, Hathaway said.
“I’m just happy for that”, Houseman said upon hearing the family was relieved to have closure.
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Foul play is not suspected.
