A Wyoming man vanished in 2019 after sending a text of gibberish. Now, he’s back but not as a living person

A body discovered near Gering, Nebraska, may finally provide answers in the case of Chance Englebert, a young man from Moorcroft, Wyoming, who vanished in July 2019.

A passerby found the remains on October 11, 2025, in Scotts Bluff National Monument, approximately 5 miles from where surveillance footage last showed Englebert walking alone in nearby Terrytown.

Before he vanished, Englebert, then 25, traveled with his wife, Baylee, and their infant son to Gering to visit her family for the Fourth of July weekend. During a golf outing, an argument broke out over comments made about his new job. Englebert had recently been laid off from a coal mine.

Upset, he left the family home around 7:30 p.m., stating he wanted to go home. He called friends and family, and told them he was walking to Torrington, Wyoming, about 35 miles away, and asked for a ride.

The final text and the storm

Adding to the mystery, Englebert sent a cryptic text, his last known communication, at about 9:08 p.m. that night to his aunt, consisting of an emoji and a string of nonsensical letters. According to his mother, Dawn Englebert, her son never used emojis. At the same time, a severe thunderstorm, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding, rolled into the area. Furthermore, his phone’s last confirmed ping was in the vicinity of the WTT Truck Stop in Scottsbluff, near a cellular tower.

Over the years, the family sought answers, offering a $200,000 reward for information. Several unconfirmed theories have emerged regarding Englebert’s disappearance, including speculation that strangers confronted him, leading to foul play. However, authorities have not substantiated any of these possible scenarios.

Closure could be near

But now the body found near Gering may finally provide answers. Authorities have not confirmed any connection between the remains and Englebert’s disappearance. The investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis underway to determine the identity and cause of death. The Englebert family continues to seek answers and closure. They have requested privacy during this sensitive time and have asked the public to respect the ongoing investigation.

According to Cowboy State Daily, the Scotts Bluff County Coroner’s Office, along with the National Park Service, is assisting with the examination and identification process. Given the remote location and the time elapsed, authorities say the identification process could take some time.