Officials identify body found in southwest Lincoln as Tyler Goodrich

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A body found in southwest Lincoln over the weekend has been identified as Tyler Goodrich, officials confirmed Monday.

Chief Deputy Ben Houchin with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said the body was discovered Saturday in a wooded area near Highway 77 and Pioneers Boulevard.

“We 100% know the body has been there for over a year, it appears through my experience and investigations,” Houchin said.

SEE ALSO: Tyler Goodrich’s hometown of Bennet, which once prayed for his return, now mourns his loss

An autopsy was scheduled for Monday.

Houchin emphasized that this is not a homicide investigation and that there is no threat to the public.

Goodrich’s husband, Marshall Vogel, sent a statement to Channel 8 after the identification:

We are heartbroken by the loss of Tyler. This is an unimaginable tragedy. Tyler was a husband, a loving father and a friend to so many. We will feel his absence, but his memory will live on.

We are grateful for the support of our friends, family, and community. The overwhelming love and support from those who shared flyers, searched, or prayed sustained us during the past sixteen months.

Our thanks go to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, other assisting agencies, and especially Deputy Jeremy Schwarz. Words cannot express our appreciation for all of you. We are forever grateful for your tireless efforts and love.

We kindly ask that you please respect our need for privacy and understanding during this difficult time of grieving.

Goodrich was last seen on Nov. 3, 2023, at his home near Southwest 12th and Burnham streets.

Authorities, families and friends searched the surrounding area numerous times in hopes of finding Tyler.

SEE ALSO: ‘It eats away at you’: One year later, and still no trace of Tyler Goodrich

The location where his body was found was less than 1,000 yards from his house.

Houchin said the location was searched by volunteers in the first couple weeks after Goodrich disappeared.

Many have already begun placing flowers at the site, in memorial of Goodrich.

“We are so grateful for everybody — the public, other law agencies — that have helped us and volunteered in looking for Tyler,” Houchin said.

A Channel 8 reporter walked along the wooded area where Goodrich was found. With the trees and heavy shade, it made for a not-so-easy trail.

When you stand in the tree line, you can barely be seen by those driving or walking nearby.