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Mummified Remains Found: Missing Man Identified After 2 Years
4 Apr
Summary
- Mummified remains found in a creek identified as a missing Michigan man.
- The man, diagnosed with dementia, disappeared two years prior from his home.
- Positive identification was made by the Medical Examiner's Office using dental records.

Mummified remains found in a creek near Hines Drive and Levan Road have been identified as James Sanford, a 75-year-old Michigan man who had been missing for two years. A missing person's report was filed with the Westland Police Department in April 2024.
The body was discovered on March 28 and was described as greatly decomposed and mummified. The Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the identity through dental records, which were provided by Sanford's wife, Pamela.
Sanford had been diagnosed with dementia. His wife reported that he became agitated when she tried to help him with his coat before an outing, and he left the home on foot without essential medication. His cause of death is currently under investigation.