Remains found of missing Idaho Man

On May 16th, 2023, Washakie County Sheriff’s Office was notified that two individuals had found a human skull off of the Blue Bank Road between Worland and Ten Sleep while tending to cattle in that area. Sheriff Brookwell and a deputy met with the individuals who had found the skull. They, and one family member of theirs, led Sheriff’s Office personnel to the location where the skull was found. Once on scene, Sheriff’s Office personnel started to document the area. A few yards away from the skull, we were able to locate a large number of human bones all in one area. The individuals who found the skull, along with their family member, volunteered their time to assist Sheriff Brookwell and the deputy in trying to locate all the remains possible. One of the individuals located a wallet close to the majority of the remains. The wallet had a driver’s license in it belonging to Patrick Michael Combs out of Idaho. There was also another card in the wallet with the same name on it. At this time, a Bureau of Land Management Ranger arrived on the scene to assist Sheriff’s Office personnel.

Sheriff Brookwell called Washakie County Coroner Jeff Lapp, another Sheriff’s Deputy, and Search and Rescue. Due to the remoteness of where the remains were found, Sheriff Brookwell asked the three civilian individuals if they would assist in guiding the others that were en route to the scene. The three individuals again volunteered their time and their UTVs to assist in getting the extra personnel into the location.

Once Coroner Lapp was on the scene, the remains were turned over to the custody of Coroner Lapp. At this moment, the only identification we have is the wallet with the driver’s license. Coroner Lapp will be getting more confirmation in the future, but we are certain the remains belong to Patrick Micheal Combs.

According to GPS data, the remains were located approximately 2.1 miles away from where Combs’ truck was.

No foul play is expected to be the reason for his death.

After clearing the scene, Sheriff’s Office personnel made contact with Mr. Combs's family and notified them of our findings.

Missing person history of Patrick Micheal Combs:

According to a missing persons flyer, Mr. Combs was reported missing out of Idaho in October of 2015.

In May of 2017, his Mazda pickup was spotted well off of the Blue Bank by a pilot flying over the area. Sheriff Rakness called out resources a few times to search the area for Mr. Combs but were never able to locate him. Over the years, multiple individuals and cadaver dog teams had searched the area but were never able to locate him.

Thank you to the two individuals who found the remains and the family member. We greatly appreciate your help!

We also appreciate everyone who has assisted us through the years of trying to locate Mr. Combs.

To the family of Patrick, we are sorry for your loss.

This story will be updated as more details become available in next week’s Northern Wyoming News print issue.