Remains Found in Phoenix Identified as Teen Missing for 5 Months

Authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered in a remote area of Phoenix belong to a 16-year-old autistic boy from Peoria, who had been missing for five months. Bradley Klose was last seen alive on April 8th as he left his job at a local supermarket.

Peoria police reported that there were no indications of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding Klose’s death. After he went missing, his family noted that he left his cellphone and wallet in his locker, which they described as unusual behavior for him.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety had previously classified Klose as an “endangered juvenile” due to his autism spectrum disorder. His disappearance prompted extensive searches that lasted several weeks but yielded no results until now.

This week, law enforcement responded to a call about an “unknown trouble” in the vicinity, leading them to a witness who guided them to the remains found in a remote section of the Deem Hills Recreation Area, approximately 6.5 miles from where Klose worked.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the remains but has not yet released information regarding the cause of death.

Following the confirmation of his identity, Klose’s family issued a heartfelt statement expressing their grief. They referred to this outcome as a “heartbreaking end to the search for Bradley,” and asked for privacy as they cope with their loss. The family acknowledged the support they received from friends, neighbors, community members, and the Peoria police during the search, stating, “Though this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we praise God for answering prayers and shining a light on Bradley.”