Human Remains Discovered In National Forest Identified As Long-Missing 1950s Pro Wrestler

Human remains discovered in 2001 have been identified as Keeble Wofford Sr., a former professional wrestler who had been missing since 1992. Wofford Sr. was identified following forensic testing by Othram DNA.

Hikers discovered human remains unearthed by animals in the Santa Fe National Forest, with the Sandoval County Sheriff's Office later determining that the skeletal remains had been buried in a shallow grave. Forensic evidence to identify the remains was submitted to Othram for advanced DNA testing, who managed to create a DNA extract.

Investigators were then able to locate a possible daughter and a DNA sample supplied by the relative was able to confirm in 2025 that the John Doe was Wofford, Othram announced.

A death certificate has since been issued by the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator and Wofford's daughter will receive his cremated remains. Investigators are looking into the circumstances around Wofford's death but they believe he travelled from Colorado to Albuquerque, New Mexico in September 1992 for a business meeting and was never heard from again.

Wofford wrestled in the 1950s as Red Eagle and Black Hawk, performing in the Pacific Northwest and for Big Time Wrestling in Texas. Wofford also appeared in several movies, including Twilight for the Gods and Hawaiian Eye, as Kimo Mahi.