The Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office has identified the dead man found in a Town of Washington culvert as Thomas John Hamilton who would have been 55 if living today.

Hamilton was reported missing to Eau Claire Police in January, 2007 by staff of the Maple Manor Motel where he lived.

While no dental records or DNA comparison was possible, other indicators led investigators and medical examiners to arrive at the identification.

A rifle found with the body was traced and was found to be purchased by Hamilton in Eau Claire in December of 1997 using a Ceylon, Minnesota address.

In addition, keys found with the body were identified by motel staff and one of the keys opened the door to the room occupied by Hamilton at the time of his disappearance.

Information regarding a medical procedure as a result of a motor vehicle crash injury was also consistent with autopsy findings.

The cause of death has been determined to be a gunshot wound however, the manner of death remains under investigation.