Human Remains Found in Lakewood are Likely Those of Missing Paramedic

The human remains found in Lakewood last Thursday (April 23) are likely those of missing paramedic Eric Pracht.

According to Fox 31 Denver, Pracht went missing in July of 2016 when he and his friends got into a heated conversation over a round of drinks.

Pracht told his fiancee that he needed to talk a walk around his condominium complex, but he never returned.

He had left without his shoes and his keys, but he did bring his cell phone with him. It pinged off a cellphone tower at the base of Green Mountain the day after he disappeared.

Despite heavy searching, no signs of Pracht appeared until last week, when a hiker discovered human remains near William F. Hayden Park on Green Mountain.

Fox 31 Denver reports that Pracht's credit card, wallet, ID, and clothing were found near the bones.

The Lakewood Police Department stated that a handgun was also found at the scene, but they have not yet determined a cause of death.

While the department has not released a statement about the identification of the bones, a family member noted in a Facebook post on April 25 that dental records confirmed the remains belonged to Pracht.

The family member said a memorial will be held for him once it is safe to do so again, stating that they "want to thank everybody for being good to us throughout this difficult time."