Family Believes Remains Found in Ohio River Are Relative Missing Since 2006

UNION COUNTY, KENTUCKY – A Union County family says the discovery of human remains in the Ohio River may finally solve the mystery of their loved one who disappeared nearly two decades ago.

Remains and Vehicle Pulled From River

According to the Kentucky State Police, a scuba diver recently found a submerged vehicle with human remains inside the Ohio River. Authorities say the van matches the description of the one driven by James Michael Mills, who went missing in 2006.

“The door, the blue door on it. Where it was, it was so close to where he supposedly went missing,” said Kellie Farmer, Mills’ cousin. “Just with the remains being in there, we never thought that he would just run off, he wasn’t the type that would just run off and not tell anybody.”

Family Reflects on Long Search

For the Mills family, the discovery brings both grief and relief.

“It’s sad because his mom passed away not knowing what happened to him,” Farmer said. “But they said yesterday when they called my Uncle Billy and told them that they found him … just the peace that went over us, just knowing that we could finally bring him home.”

A candlelight vigil had been held in Uniontown in 2024 to honor Mills and keep his memory alive.

Awaiting Official Identification

The remains have been sent to the Medical Examiner for identification and further analysis. While official confirmation is pending, the family says the discovery already offers a measure of closure.

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

If confirmed, the discovery would close a painful chapter for the family of James Michael Mills after nearly 20 years of uncertainty. For updates on this case and other community stories, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.