SHELBYVILLE, TN - Shelbyville Detectives have officially identified the skeletal remains discovered on November 25, 2023, in the wooded area between Shoma Park and Blue Ribbon Parkway. Police say the remains are those of Sam Avery Wilhoite, a Shelbyville resident.

The somber confirmation follows a missing person report filed by Wilhoite's family on July 20, 2023, expressing concern as no one had seen or heard from him since March 2023. Despite this closure, questions surrounding the circumstances of Wilhoite's death persist, as the cause remains pending the completion of a forensic examination by the Tennessee Medical Examiner's Office.

According to the missing person report in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons database, Mr. Wilhoite was 65-years-old when he was reported as missing. Information also shows that he did not own a vehicle and was believed to be homeless. The report also showed that he had not contacted friends or family since March 10, 2023.

The meticulous examination process that led to the identity of the man took place in Nashville, TN, where the remains were carefully transported for a comprehensive analysis. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation previously joined forces with the Shelbyville Police Department in a collaborative effort to unravel the mystery shrouding the discovery, underscoring the commitment to uncovering the truth behind this incident.

GoFundMe Campaign Launched to Support Bereaved Family's Burial Fund - In the wake of the tragic discovery of Sam Avery Wilhoite's remains in Shelbyville, a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by his sister-in-law to raise funds for his cremation. The family member said the unexpected nature of his passing has left his three sons devastated. The sister-in-law, reaching out for community support, expressed the family's desperation and the challenging timing of the incident, emphasizing that anything contributed would be greatly appreciated. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe.com, aims to collect funds to cover the expenses at the Doak Howell funeral home for Wilhoite's cremation.