Man Disappeared 20 Years Ago. His Remains May Have Just Been Found

A scuba diver found a vehicle submerged in the Ohio River with remains inside. Authorities in Kentucky believe they may be linked to a mission persons case from 2006.

On Friday, Sept. 12, around 10 a.m. local time, a diver spotted the van near a boat ramp in the body of water in Morganfield, the Kentucky State Police said in a statement. The individual immediately contacted officials — and when the van was pulled from the river, human remains were found inside.

“At this time, the identity of the remains has not been confirmed,” state police said. “However, investigators believe the discovery may be connected to a Union County man who was reported missing in 2006.” 

Following the discovery, investigators worked on processing the vehicle. The remains, which have yet to be identified, were then sent to the state medical examiner’s office for further examination.

James Michael Mills was 38 years old when he was last seen at his home in Uniontown at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2006, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

Officials originally reported that he may have been driving a 1994 white Plymouth Voyager Van with a spray-painted door at the time of his disappearance.

Last year, Morganfield city officials arranged a candlelight vigil for Mills, NBC affiliate WFIE previously reported.

“The memorial service will be for anyone who has lost a relative or a loved one,” said Mayor Randy Greenwell said on social media ahead of the event, according to the outlet.

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Although the remains found inside the van have yet to be identified, Kellie Farmer, Mills’ cousin told the outlet that the discovery brought up mixed emotions for the family.

“It’s sad because his mom passed away not knowing what happened to him,” Farmer said. “Just the peace that went over us, just knowing that we could finally bring him home.”

No matter what happened, the ones left behind have always remembered Mills.

“He wasn’t forgotten,” she told the outlet. “If he was ever to show up, I just wanted him to know we didn’t forget about him.”

The Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.