“After Eight Years, Family Finds Closure as Missing Plumas County Man’s Remains Are Identified”
In the quiet, forested expanse of Plumas County, California, a somber discovery has brought closure to a mystery that lingered for nearly a decade. On May 9, 2025, a logging crew working in a remote area northeast of Cromberg, near Jackson Creek, stumbled upon human remains. The Plumas County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 14, 2025, that these remains belong to William Millard, a local resident who vanished in 2017. For Millard’s family, the identification marks the end of years of uncertainty, though it comes with the heavy weight of loss. The Sheriff’s Office expressed heartfelt condolences, acknowledging the tragedy while hoping the resolution offers some solace.
William Millard’s disappearance in 2017 left his loved ones grappling with questions that seemed destined to remain unanswered. At the time, authorities located his vehicle in the Jackson Creek area, where it appeared to have broken down. Evidence suggested Millard, who was known to have preexisting health conditions, attempted to walk away from the site, perhaps seeking help or shelter. His remains were found approximately half a mile from the vehicle, a testament to the rugged and unforgiving terrain of Plumas County’s backcountry. The advanced state of decomposition prevented investigators from determining an official cause of death, but officials have stated that no foul play is suspected. This conclusion points to a likely scenario where Millard, hindered by health issues and the challenges of the remote landscape, succumbed to the elements.
The discovery unfolded when a private logging company, conducting routine operations, reported the remains to the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office on the morning of May 9. Detectives promptly arrived at the scene, confirming the remains were human. The condition of the remains necessitated extensive forensic analysis, including DNA testing, to establish identity. The Sheriff’s Office commended the logging crew for their vigilance and quick reporting, which enabled authorities to begin the identification process. The Plumas County Search and Rescue Team also played a critical role, assisting in the recovery of additional remains from the challenging terrain. Their efforts underscore the collaborative spirit of the community in addressing such delicate matters.
Plumas County, nestled in Northern California’s Sierra Nevada, is known for its vast forests and sparse population, where remote areas like Jackson Creek can remain untouched for years. This isolation often complicates search efforts for missing persons, as evidenced by Millard’s case. The Sheriff’s Office has handled similar discoveries in recent months, including remains found in February 2025 believed to be those of Anthony Evans, a Portola resident missing since 2023. These cases highlight the challenges of locating individuals in such expansive and rugged landscapes, where natural elements can obscure evidence for extended periods.
For the community of Plumas County, the identification of William Millard’s remains is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring hope for answers. The Sheriff’s Office has emphasized its commitment to supporting families through such discoveries, balancing the need for thorough investigation with compassion for those affected. While the resolution of Millard’s case closes one chapter, it also renews focus on others still missing in the region. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with information about missing persons to come forward, fostering a collective effort to bring clarity to those left in limbo.
This discovery, while tragic, reflects the dedication of local law enforcement and community members to resolving long-standing mysteries. The logging crew’s alertness, the Search and Rescue Team’s perseverance, and the Sheriff’s Office’s meticulous work have together provided a family with the answers they sought for eight years. As Plumas County reflects on this outcome, the story of William Millard serves as both a moment of closure and a call to remain vigilant, ensuring that no one is forgotten in the vast wilderness of Northern California.
