APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Human bones discovered in Apple Valley on December 31, 2023, were identified as those of a 35-year-old Kevin Gabhart.

A woman walking near Chiwi Road and Tinta Road found the remains, which were subsequently taken to the San Bernardino County Coroner.

Sheriff’s spokeswoman Mara Rodriguez said: “The investigation into the circumstances of his death is ongoing. Further information will be released as it becomes available.”

A family friend remembered Kevin Gabhart as a devoted son, brother, husband and father of four children. He worked as a journeyman painter and lived in Barstow until family difficulties, exacerbated by drug use, forced him to move to the Apple Valley-Victorville area.

Kevin has been missing since June 2023. He last had contact with his family that month. One of his last sightings reported him walking along Highway 18, near where his remains were eventually found.

Friends and family noticed that Kevin had diabetes and was not taking his medications or attending doctor’s appointments. Despite their efforts, he was reluctant to seek help.

According to the family friend, there are conflicting reports about the location of Kevin’s remains. While police stated that the area was not a homeless encampment, observations by family members indicate signs of homelessness, including discarded clothing, empty containers and other personal items.

The family is seeking more details about the discovery, including the exact location and condition of the remains, as well as any damaged or missing bones. Answers to these questions are critical to providing closure to Kevin’s loved ones.

Related article: Possible human bones found from person hiking in Apple Valley

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