BRAINERD, Minn. — Human remains found Saturday night in a wooded area off Business Highway 371 south of Brainerd have been identified as those of Marc Welzant, a developmentally disabled man who went missing over two years ago, Brainerd Police Chief Corky McQuiston stated in a news release.
McQuiston stated the cause of death has not yet been determined but there are no preliminary indications that foul play is involved. Police said Welzant’s remains were located on private property not far from the Mississippi River in a undeveloped wooded area about 2 miles south and west from where he was last seen.
Welzant was last seen the afternoon of Oct. 26, 2014, when he left his group home. Brainerd police received a report at 4:30 p.m. from a group of people who saw Welzant heading west on the walking trail at Kiwanis Park.
Welzant, who is the youngest of 11 siblings, was diagnosed with Prader-Willi syndrome at 2 years of age, a rare genetic disorder that can result in a range of physical, mental and behavioral problems.
Welzant’s birthday was celebrated on March 17. He would have turned 50.
