COSTA RICA STAR BREAKING NEWS

The passport belonging to Cody Roman Dial, a 27-year-old Alaska man who went missing in Costa Rica nearly two years ago, was found amongst human remains discovered in the Corcovado National Park on Friday, authorities in Costa Rica announced shortly before noon on Monday.

Cody Roman Dial had been missing since July 22, 2014. The discovery of the remains came just two days before National Geographic was set to air a documentary about the young man’s disappearance.

Dial’s family has been informed of the discovery, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigative Police (OIJ).

The results of official DNA testing of the remains remained pending at the time of this writing.

Meanwhile, forensic investigators are working to determine a cause of death.

Amongst the remains were also a gas cooking stove, camping gear, a compass, food, and an undisclosed amount of local currency, as well as some personal items – including clothing – that the man’s family believe to be his, authorities said.

Cody Dial’s family have long suspected that the young man’s death may have been the result of foul play.  The area where the remains were discovered is frequently targeted by illegal miners and drug traffickers.

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story; stay tuned to The Costa Rica Star for additional information as it becomes available.