Human remains found in Columbia on July 2 have been determined to be those of Waynesville resident Edward Acosta.
Though a full autopsy report is not expected for up to three more weeks, Dori Burke, a forensic investigator with the Boone County Medical Examiner's Office, said a positive identification has been made and the remains will continue to be studied at the University of Missouri Anthropology Department to determine the cause of death.
"We do know that it is him," Burke said.
Remains were found below a bluff by Rock Quarry Road on July 2 and a search of the top of the bluff found a hat, cell phone and paperwork belonging to Acosta. Authorities have stated they do not suspect foul play and have speculated that Acosta was unfamiliar with the area and may have accidentally fallen.
Burke said the injuries looked consistent with a fall, but needed further analysis because of the deteriorated condition of the remains, which were largely skeletal.
Acosta, 46, had been missing for more than a month after being released May 28 from the University Hospital in Columbia for suffering stroke-like symptoms. Authorities said Acosta was last seen that evening at a Hampton Inn asking a clerk about room rates, but exited the building.
Acosta was brought to Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood at 1:20 p.m. May 28 when he showed symptoms of a stroke. Shortly after, he was transferred by ambulance to the University Hospital in Columbia to receive more extensive treatment than what was available at the hospital at Fort Leonard Wood.
Friends of Acosta have said he tried to find a ride home that night, after being discharged. When he was unable to find someone to pick him up, Acosta told friends he would stay at a local veterans hospital until someone could come and pick him up.
The morning of May 29, several friends of Acosta drove to Columbia and checked the veterans hospital, finding no record of him. Friends checked several hospitals, hotels and motels before returning to Fort Leonard Wood without Acosta.
Acosta was officially reported missing May 30.
About one month after Acosta went missing, attorney Kevin Hillman spoke with Acosta family members and arranged legal papers for his family to conduct Acosta's business in his absence.
Acosta was a Shriner in the Legion of Honor and a veteran of both Gulf wars. Friends described him as a loving man who never missed the chance to get together with friends.
Acosta timeline
• May 28 - Acosta is transferred to the University Hospital; he is treated, released; tries to check into a hotel.
• May 29 - Friends of Acosta's arrive in Columbia to pick him up. Return without him.
• July 2 - Police recover human remains found in the wooded area behind Rock Quarry Road.
• July 27 - Remains identified as those of Acosta.
