Michigan State Police Sixth District Confirms Human Remains Identified as Kevin Graves, Missing Since 2018
Authorities have confirmed that human remains found in a wooded area near Rothbury, Michigan, by two hunters earlier this week belong to Kevin Graves, who went missing following the Electric Forest Festival in 2018.
On December 31, the Michigan State Police Sixth District announced the discovery of the remains and stated that forensic anthropologists were present to aid in the recovery process. During the investigation, items identified as belonging to Kevin Graves, including his wallet and phone, were located near the remains.
According to police, Gary Graves was told they were “99% sure” the remains were those of his son. “They said they found his wallet, his phone, and he had a (festival) wristband on,” Gary Graves informed MLive earlier today. “They just got to do an autopsy and dental records and everything, and then they’ll get back with us.” The Michigan State Police Sixth District has confirmed positive identification through dental records.
As stated in previous communications from law enforcement, an investigation into his disappearance and subsequent death will be initiated. “We will begin to work on further information to determine how he ended up there from where he was last seen and what was the manner and cause of death,” remarked Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. The specific cause of death remains undetermined and may take several months to resolve, with authorities noting “no indication of foul play at this time.”
Kevin Graves was last spotted at Electric Forest on July 1, 2018. A search involving volunteers occurred later that month, but no evidence of him was found. “With the dogs and everything they claim they had running around there looking, I can’t see how we missed him,” Gary Graves expressed to MLive. “But I can’t say for sure until I know exactly where it was at.”
In 2018, police interviewed a couple who had been staying near Kevin Graves and his former girlfriend. Gary Graves, who attended the interview, noted that they observed Kevin crying and walking away after a disagreement. Police reports obtained by MLive indicate that the last activity on his cell phone was a call made to his father on July 1.
In 2019, flyers were distributed for awareness, his parents briefly attended Electric Forest in 2022, and a billboard was erected near the festival entrance in 2023 to continue raising awareness and hope regarding his case.
We at EDM Identity extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Graves during this challenging time.
