Advanced DNA testing enabled central Florida police to identify the body of a man whose remains were discovered 31 years ago by connecting to his living relatives.

The Clearwater Police Department announced Monday that Edman Eric Gleed had been reported missing from Fairfax County, Virginia by his son prior to his death. He was 84. 

Law enforcement initially identified him as "Pinellas County John Doe 1993" because his body was discovered floating near a Clearwater bridge which is located in Pinellas County outside of Tampa Bay on Nov. 29, 1993.

Identification was not found on Gleed's body according to Clearwater police while investigators discovered no leads from the folded clothing pile near the lifeguard stand. The medical examiner concluded the autopsy showed no evidence of foul play even though it did not determine a definitive cause or manner of death.

The unidentified man's DNA samples were re-collected and sent to Moxxy Forensic Investigations for analysis using investigative genetic genealogy. The investigative technique works to resolve unsolved cases by comparing an unidentified person's DNA sample with family member DNA.

After months of genealogical research investigators discovered links to an 18th-century Bristol couple enabling them to establish an identity candidate who turned out to be Gleed.

Clearwater police said. The identification of Gleed was validated by DNA testing against a sample from his 94-year-old son residing in North Carolina.

Clearwater's deputy police chief Michael Walek expressed satisfaction about delivering both answers and closure to the family regarding their loved one's fate.

Ed Adams from Moxxy Forensic Investigations stated in his separate message that Gleed's case held deep personal significance for every member of their team.

Adams expressed gratitude for everyone's contribution to returning Edman Gleed to his family.