The body discovered near Hines Drive last week has been identified as James Sanford, a Westland man who went missing in 2024, officials said.
The medical examiner’s office confirmed the identification using dental records, according to a release from the Livonia Police Department.
Recommended Videos
Sanford was 75 years old when he disappeared on April 8, 2024, after walking away from his Westland home on foot without his medication. He suffered from dementia.
His cause of death is still under investigation.
Man disappears in April 2024
Sanford vanished the afternoon of April 8, 2024, just before a scheduled doctor’s appointment.
His wife, Pamela Sanford, said he had become agitated as she helped him with his coat. Moments later, he was gone.
The search stretched for months, involving air and ground efforts and a steady stream of tips, some of which turned out to be scams. Pam said she continued checking hospitals and nursing homes long after, hoping someone had seen him or unknowingly helped him.
Body found near Hines Drive in March 2026
The body was found partially submerged in a creek near Hines Drive and Levan Road just after 6 p.m. on March 28, 2026, about two miles from the Sanfords’ Westland home.
The remains were described by Livonia police and other sources as greatly decomposed and mummified.
When the body was first discovered, Livonia Police said a specialist would need to be brought in to make an identification.
Before the identification was confirmed, Pam told Local 4 she feared the body could be her husband.
“You think you prepare yourself for it, but when it comes up — it’s just a lot,” she said. “It tricks your mind.”
Previous coverage --> ‘It tricks your mind’: Wife waits as Livonia mummified body may link to 2024 missing case