Portland police and forensic experts have identified a man whose skeletal remains were discovered near the St. Johns Bridge in North Portland more than three decades ago.

Bryant Edward Deane, who was about 39 years old when he died, was positively identified through advanced genetic genealogy techniques.

Workers first found Deane’s fully skeleton on Aug. 17, 1992, while clearing brush near the bridge. Forensic experts determined he was a white male, between 5-foot-2 and 5-foot-5, with significant physical challenges including arthritic changes and leg length differences that would have caused a noticeable limp.

The medical examiner’s investigation revealed Deane was wearing a maroon fleece-lined jacket, dark jeans, MacGregor ankle boots, and cotton gloves when he died, suggesting the death occurred during winter. Fractures on the left side of his body raised questions about whether he fell from the bridge or was struck by a vehicle.

After years of unsuccessful identification attempts, the DNA Doe Project helped break the cold case. In 2024, they partnered with the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office to extract and sequence advanced DNA profiles. By August 2025, volunteers had identified potential family matches.

Deane’s presumed brother, who had not been in contact with him since the mid-1970s, provided a DNA sample for comparison. The medical examiner’s office confirmed Deane’s identity in October 2025.

“Bryant’s parents passed away in 2017 and 2019, never knowing what happened to their son,” said Hailey Collord-Stalder, forensic anthropologist. “His family left a space for him on their headstone; now he can finally be laid to rest with his family.”