Gerald Francis Long : “Arizona Remains Identified as MN Vietnam Vet”

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities in Coconino County have confirmed that human remains found nearly 50 years ago in the Flagstaff area belong to Gerald Francis Long, a Vietnam veteran originally from Minnesota.

Coconino County Sheriff’s officials made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing that the cause of Long’s death remains undetermined.

The skeletal remains of Long were first discovered in April 1975 by farmers who were chasing a runaway pig, approximately 40 miles (60 kilometers) east of Flagstaff. Despite multiple leads over the years, no positive identification was made until recently.

In August 2023, sheriff’s officials enlisted the help of a Salt Lake City company to identify the remains using forensic genetic genealogy. The breakthrough came earlier this year when Long was positively identified, leading detectives to reach out to a surviving family member.

Further investigation revealed that Long enlisted in the Army in January 1969 and served in Vietnam that same year. He returned to Minnesota in February 1972 and was discharged a month later.

However, in October 1972, Long informed his family that he was leaving Minnesota for the West Coast. This was the last time his family saw him, and his disappearance remained a mystery for nearly five decades.