Remains found in Indian Trail identified as man who vanished more than a year ago

INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. — The skeletal remains discovered nearly two weeks ago in the Arbor Glen community of Union County have been positively identified as Forrest Stephen Treat, officials confirmed.

Treat was last seen in the area on Feb. 25, 2019.

The remains were discovered scattered several hundred yards apart along a creek bank in dense undergrowth off Hunters Trail Drive in Indian Trail, officials said.

This past February, teenagers crossing the creek found a handgun along the creekbed, according to authorities. The firearm was turned over to the Sheriff’s Office and officials said Treat bought it.

The official cause of death has not been determined, but the medical examiner does not believe foul play was involved.

Many said it was a puzzling case.

“It just seems to be a mystery at this point,” Union County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Tony Underwood said last February.

A neighbor’s video surveillance captured Treat walking down the street the morning he vanished.

"You're just going through all these scenarios in your head,” Treat’s girlfriend’s sister, Susana Szarko, said. “Where could he be? Why would he do this? Did we miss something?"

Police said Treat left his phone and wallet behind.

“We just need to know that he’s safe and the more time that goes by, I think the more concerned we become,” Underwood said in February.

Treat had no immediate family in the area.

Family members and friends said Treat previously served in the military and has never been missing like this before.

Cox Media Group