The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Monday that human remains found over the weekend belong to Tyler Goodrich, who had been missing for more than a year.
Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said investigators were able to positively identify Goodrich based on evidence at the scene, bringing closure to a 16-month-long search.
For Tyler’s family, the news was bittersweet.
“You had that moment, and it was a mixed moment,” said his father, Lonnie Goodrich. “A moment of, ‘We have him, thank God.’ But then the reality of, ‘We have him. Oh my God.’”
A Long Search Comes to an End
Since Goodrich disappeared in November 2023, his face had been posted on billboards, shop windows, and yard signs across Nebraska. His case gained widespread attention, with 28,000 people following updates in a Facebook group and national coverage from Dateline’s Missing in America podcast.
Tyler’s body was found less than half a mile from his home, where surveillance video last showed him running on Nov. 3, 2023.
Houchin explained that while search teams combed the area in the early weeks of the investigation, dense brush and tree branches may have hidden the body from view.
“You had to go through a bunch of trees, and doing that, you could’ve just looked down because there was a branch and not seen where he was at,” he said.
Lingering Questions
Despite the discovery, Lonnie Goodrich said he still struggles to understand what happened to his son.
“Somebody could have looked right there and seen him,” he said. “If anybody walked down this path since November 3, 2023, how could you have missed that?”
An autopsy was conducted Monday in hopes of providing more answers.
Family’s Grief and Request for Privacy
Goodrich’s husband and co-parent, Marshall Vogel, declined an on-camera interview but shared a written statement.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Tyler. This is an unimaginable tragedy. Tyler was a husband, a loving father, and a friend to so many. We will feel his absence, but his memory will live on.
“We are grateful for the support of our friends, family, and community. The overwhelming love and support from those who shared flyers, searched, or prayed sustained us during the past sixteen months.
“Our thanks go to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, other assisting agencies, and especially Deputy Jeremy Schwarz. Words cannot express our appreciation for all of you. We are forever grateful for your tireless efforts and love.
“We kindly ask for privacy and understanding as we grieve.”
A Father’s Promise
For Lonnie Goodrich, his son’s memory will never fade.
“As a dad, the last thing I ever want is for my son looking down on me, saying, ‘Dad, you’ve forgotten me,’” he said. “I need him to hear me—Tyler, I will never forget you. I will never move on. I will love you until the day I’m gone. And I will reunite with you in heaven.”
