Skeleton in DuPage preserve identified

A human skeleton found beneath snow and ice in a Downers Grove forest preserve has been identified as a missing local man, officials said Saturday.

The DuPage County coroner's office identified the remains, removed Friday from Lyman Woods Nature Preserve, as 28-year-old Daniel Smiechowski of Downers Grove. He has been missing since last March.

The coroner's office made the identification based on dental records, according to a release.

Workers first discovered the remains Thursday while clearing brush at the forest preserve. The remains were thawed with heaters and warming blankets by Downers Grove police before being taken to the coroner's office, Deputy Police Chief James Black said.

Cause of death has yet to be determined. Further tests are pending, officials said.