OCEANA COUNTY, MI -- Human remains recovered Tuesday are believed to be those of James Hepworth, a Pentwater area man who was reported missing about eight months ago.
A K-9 unit located the remains around 1 p.m. March 28 "as part of an extended search for missing person James Hepworth," according to a news release from the Michigan State Police Cadillac Post.
Hepworth, who lived in the Pentwater area, left in the middle of his work shift on Aug. 1, 2016. Statements he made to co-workers and family made law enforcement officials immediately concerned about his welfare, believing that he could be suicidal.
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Hepworth's wife, Amanda Hepworth, posted on Facebook that she is convinced the remains of her husband have been found.
"Hug your loved ones close tonight, she wrote. "If you are married, hug your spouse even closer than normal. Thank you for the support you have given my family over these last 8 months."