At a Glance
- 19-year-old Jacob Lyon was identified in January 2025 after skeletal remains were found in 2022.
- The remains were discovered in Miramar Beach, Florida, by a man clearing a wooded area.
- The case, which began in 2015, remains open as authorities investigate the cause of death.
Why it matters: Families and communities now have closure, but questions about Lyon’s death linger.
Jacob Lyon’s story has spanned a decade, from a disappearance in 2015 to the identification of his remains in 2025. The case highlights the perseverance of law-enforcement agencies and the emotional toll on families.
Background of Jacob Lyon
Jacob Irvine Lyon disappeared from Niceville, Florida, in November 2015. He had been staying with relatives in Niceville and Mossey Head and was involuntarily committed to a hospital for psychiatric care in October 2015, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO).
In February 2016, Lyon’s mother reported him missing. The WCSO teamed with the Niceville Police Department (NPD) to pursue leads, but none led to a recovery.
Discovery of Remains
On October 20, 2022, skeletal fragments were found in a wooded area behind where a Sleep Inn once stood, near Miramar Beach. The discovery was made by a private individual who was “clearing a wooded area,” per a news release from the WCSO.
The District 1 Medical Examiner’s Office examined the remains for roughly two years before requesting DNA samples be sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) in late 2024.
Identification Process
In January 2025, the FDLE confirmed the remains were 19-year-old Jacob Lyon. The identification process involved:
- DNA comparison with samples from Lyon’s family.
- Cross-referencing missing-person records.
- Collaboration between the WCSO, NPD, and FDLE.
“This is not the result our community hoped for,” the WCSO said in its release. “For his family, we hope there is peace in knowing Jacob has been found.”
Reactions
WCSO: The office expressed relief and a desire for closure.
NPD Lieutenant John Lee: “Ten years is a long time. But Jacob is home. Jake is back with his family, and family can make a little bit of closure. And we hope that we can continue to get answers again,” he said.
WSCO Major Dustin Cosson: “If you look at the scene where Jacob was recovered in 2022 it looked completely different than it does today,” he remarked, noting changes in the area.
Current Status
Authorities are still determining the cause of death. The WCSO has not released a definitive cause, and investigations continue.
How to Help
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the WCSO at (850)-892-8111.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November 2015 | Jacob Lyon last seen in Niceville. |
| October 2015 | Lyon involuntarily committed to psychiatric hospital. |
| February 2016 | Lyon reported missing by his mother. |
| October 20, 2022 | Skeletal remains discovered in Miramar Beach. |
| Late 2024 | DNA samples sent to FDLE. |
| January 2025 | FDLE identifies remains as Jacob Lyon. |
| January 2026 | WCSO releases official statement. |
Key Takeaways
- Jacob Lyon’s remains were identified after a decade of search.
- The discovery occurred in a wooded area near a former Sleep Inn.
- The cause of death remains under investigation.
- Families and law-enforcement agencies continue to seek answers.
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