Huntsville police today announced that human remains found in a thickly-wooded area of Limestone County are those of a man whose last contact with his family was 21 years ago.

Ralph Eric Hucher was a Vietnam War veteran and Texas native. He was 52 years old in 2002. Police do not suspect foul play in his death.

Police said his remains were found by a team of surveyors in an area off Old Highway 20 in Huntsville-annexed Limestone County.

Periodically, investigators shared details of personal belongings found at the site, including a lighter, binoculars, a pocket knife, prescription glasses and a fleece jacket.

A breakthrough came in May 2021, when Cristy Kissel, a forensic genealogist with Ceartas Forensic Services, conducted genealogy and familial searches to help investigators obtain a more robust DNA profile. A DNA match to Hucher was positive on Monday.

Police say his relatives were contacted, and police are coordinating the return of his remains.