Remains confirmed as Steven Dean

The Dayton Police Department has confirmed that skeletal remains found last month in Dayton are, in fact, those of missing person Steven Dean, according to Lt. Shane Burleigh. At this time, the cause of death is still under investigation, but the family has been notified of the confirmation of the findings.

“I am glad that the family can finally find some sense of closure,” said Burleigh.

Dean had been reported missing by his family on Aug. 15, 2019, after reportedly not showing up for work as an inspector for an oil field company. He was reportedly last seen at the Dayton Cabins off HWY 90 in Dayton. According to reports, Dean, a US Army Veteran, was last seen barefoot and disoriented at the cabins. An initial search of the area near his residence resulted in the discovery of his cell phone in a grassy area behind what was at the time a RaceWay gas station across from Bronco Stadium.

The family of Dean has never given up hope and continued to circulate his name and information in hopes of finding him. This past December, Dayton Police were summoned to a discovery of a set of human remains off FM 1409 between Entzminger St and Ripkowski Dr near the Dayton Community Center. After a two-day investigation by the police and Texas Rangers, along with a search by members of Texas EquuSearch, the remains were sent to the medical examiner in Jefferson County for autopsy.