Fossett's Remains Confirmed

The long, sad saga of billionaire adventurer Steve Fossett finally comes to a close: Two large bones found a half-mile from the Sierra crash site of Fossett’s plane have been positively identified as his.

DNA tests conducted by the California State Department of Justice conclusively ruled that the large bones found matched genetic samples of Fossett. Officials declined to state which bones they found, citing that they’d like to spare the family further anguish. Fossett’s widow, Peggy, had this to say:

“I am hopeful that the DNA identification puts a definitive end to all of the speculation surrounding Steve’s death. This has been an incredibly difficult time for me, and I am thankful to everyone who helped bring closure to this tragedy,” she said.

A hiker found Fossett’s pilot’s license and cash in October; searchers found his plane wreckage not long after. FAA investigators ruled that he likely died on impact after being blown into the mountainside by the frequent, powerful updrafts of wind that plague the Sierra.

The Fossett mystery threatened to loom large for a long time, but at last conspiracy buffs can put their theories to rest, and hopefully his family can find some closure.

—Ted Alvarez

DNA links bones near plane crash site to Fossett (AP)