Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Fascinating Discovery of a Marine’s Jawbone in Arizona
Tucked away in the sunny state of Arizona, a jawbone found by a young boy nearly two decades ago has sparked a remarkable chain of events that led to the identification of a U.S. Marine who perished in a training accident back in 1951.
An Unexpected Find in a Rock Collection
The story begins with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, who received a curious piece of bone last year. The bone had an intriguing history, having been discovered by a boy who had a penchant for collecting rocks. The boy’s parents stumbled upon the bone in his collection back in 2002, leading to its eventual donation to the Ramapo College Investigative Genealogy Center in New Jersey.
A Long-Standing Mystery Unraveled
Initial attempts to identify the bone through traditional DNA testing proved fruitless, leaving the case shrouded in mystery for years. It wasn’t until the bone made its way to the genealogy center that the pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place.
The Unveiling of Captain Everett Leland Yager’s Identity
After thorough investigation and genetic analysis, the jawbone was identified as belonging to Captain Everett Leland Yager, a Marine who tragically lost his life in a training accident in California over 70 years ago. His remains were later laid to rest in his hometown in Missouri, bringing closure to his family.
A Remarkable Journey Across States
The jawbone’s unexpected journey from California to Arizona remains a mystery, with experts speculating that it may have been carried by a bird. The twists and turns of fate have led to the bone’s eventual identification, highlighting the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate events.
A Lesson in Unexpected Discoveries
Cairenn Binder, associate director of the Ramapo College IGG Center, emphasized the importance of expecting the unexpected in their investigative work. The collaborative efforts of students and researchers have shed light on a decades-old mystery, showcasing the power of genealogy in unraveling historical enigmas.
A Heartwarming Reunion with Family
Thanks to advanced genome sequencing and diligent research, Yager’s daughter was able to provide a DNA sample that confirmed the match with her father’s remains. The long-awaited reunion with Captain Yager’s family marks the culmination of a journey that began with a simple rock collection in Arizona.
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