Chance Englebert’s cause of death confirmed as accidental fall in Nebraska

Authorities have confirmed Chance Englebert’s cause of death after identifying skeletal remains found on October 10, 2025 near Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska. Officials said the remains matched Englebert through dental records and DNA analysis. The death has been ruled accidental.

Investigators determined Englebert died from blunt force trauma consistent with a rapid deceleration event, including a fall from a significant height. The findings close a six year search that began when Englebert went missing on July 6, 2019.

New findings reveal Chance Englebert’s cause of death

According to the Douglas County Coroner’s Office, the cause of death was a pattern of blunt force trauma most consistent with a fall from height. The determination followed a detailed analysis by forensic pathologists, forensic dentists, anthropologists, archaeologists and DNA specialists from multiple agencies in Nebraska and Texas.

Officials said the fall distance ranged from about 130 feet at the shortest point to approximately 290 feet where Englebert’s torso was found. The assessment matched the evidence recovered at the scene. A pair of hikers discovered the remains and alerted law enforcement immediately.

Authorities explained that no evidence pointed to foul play. After reviewing search records, interviews and forensic results, investigators concluded Englebert’s death was accidental. The Gering Police Department coordinated the case with support from dozens of agencies across Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and federal investigators.

The search for Englebert lasted years and included hundreds of interviews, search warrants, phone and financial record reviews, social media data, K9 searches and multiple ground operations. Despite widespread efforts, no credible leads emerged until the 2025 discovery. The confirmation brings an official conclusion to one of the region’s most followed missing persons cases.

Community impact and response

The confirmation of Chance Englebert’s cause of death has brought closure to a case that spanned state lines and drew attention from the public, volunteers and law enforcement agencies for years. Families, community members and supporters who followed the investigation closely expressed relief that answers were finally provided.

Local authorities emphasized the scale of cooperation required, noting that dozens of departments contributed resources throughout the six year investigation. While the findings rule out criminal involvement, they also clear longstanding speculation surrounding Englebert’s disappearance.

The release of the final report formally closes the case while acknowledging the years of effort dedicated to locating Englebert and determining his fate. The confirmation of Chance Englebert’s cause of death provides the definitive conclusion investigators and the community had sought for years.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was Chance Englebert’s confirmed cause of death?

Officials reported he died from blunt force trauma consistent with a fall from height. The death was ruled accidental after forensic review.

Q2: When were Chance Englebert’s remains found?

Hikers discovered skeletal remains on October 10, 2025 near Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska.

Q3: How long was Chance Englebert missing?

He was missing for more than six years. He was last seen on July 6, 2019 before the discovery in 2025.

Q4: Did investigators find evidence of foul play?

No evidence indicated criminal activity. After reviewing all findings, investigators concluded the death was accidental.

Q5: Which agencies assisted in the investigation?

Local police, county sheriffs, Nebraska State Patrol, National Park Service, federal investigators and multiple forensic labs contributed to the case.