Human Skull Found in Nebraska May Belong to Missing Wyoming Man Chance Englebert

GERING, NEBRASKA — Authorities are investigating after a human skull discovered near Scotts Bluff National Monument may belong to Chance Englebert, a Wyoming man who vanished more than six years ago while visiting family in Nebraska. The 25-year-old disappeared in July 2019, sparking a multi-state search that left investigators and his family without answers for years.

Remains Found Near Monument Area

Private Investigator Ryan Crouch confirmed that law enforcement officers were recently seen near the Scotts Bluff National Monument, roughly five miles from where Englebert was last seen walking alone on a stormy night in 2019.
“It’s an area that myself and many others have long believed could be where Chance went missing,” Crouch told Cowboy State Daily, adding, “More than likely, it is Chance.”

According to officials, the skull was located in a rural area of Gering, not far from where multiple searches had previously taken place. The Englebert family said they were contacted by Scotts Bluff County law enforcement about the discovery.

“Early this morning, our family was informed of a discovery that may be related to Chance’s disappearance,” read a post on the ‘Help Find Chance Englebert’ Facebook page. “At this critical juncture, we need to emphasize there is no positive identification yet.”

The Night He Vanished

Chance Englebert, a new father at the time, vanished after spending the day golfing with his wife Baylee’s family in Gering. According to investigators, a disagreement occurred during the outing after a family member made a remark about his recent job change following a layoff from a coal mine.
After the argument, Englebert reportedly left the gathering and called his wife, who picked him up but later drove him back to her grandparents’ house. The couple allegedly argued again before Englebert walked away from the property, calling a friend and saying he intended to walk 35 miles to Torrington, Wyoming, despite heavy rain.

Surveillance footage later showed him at a local convenience store between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., buying a Monster energy drink and tobacco before telling a clerk he planned to return home because of an approaching storm. He was last seen about two miles from that location.

A Case That Haunted Investigators

Englebert’s sudden disappearance triggered a massive search effort involving 17 agencies, drones, cadaver dogs, divers, and hundreds of volunteers, but no trace was found.
Over the years, multiple theories emerged — from accidental drowning to foul play — yet none have been confirmed. The latest discovery near the Monument may finally bring closure to a case that has baffled both authorities and the community.

Chance’s family has been vocal in their search for justice, at one point offering a $200,000 reward for information leading to his whereabouts. His grandmother, Linda Kluender, expressed frustration that no one came forward, saying, “Seems the people in the know feel their life is more valuable than $200,000 — and Chance’s life is worth nothing.”

Family Still Waiting for Answers

Englebert’s mother, Dawn, told Wyoming Truth she believes someone else may have used her son’s phone after his final message — a random string of numbers and emojis — which she said was out of character.
“I don’t know what could have happened, but I know that [bad weather] didn’t cause it,” she said.

For now, investigators are waiting for DNA testing results to determine whether the skull is a match for Englebert. Until confirmation is made, the Englebert family continues to ask the public for privacy and patience.

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