Body of 18-year-old missing for 7 years found in chimney

Mary Bowerman | USA TODAY Network

Human remains found in an abandoned cabin are those of a Colorado 18-year-old who went missing seven years ago, according to local officials.

Dental records confirmed that the remains were those of Joshua Vernon Maddux, who went missing in 2008, Teller County Coroner Al Born told AP.

Investigators think Maddux was likely trying to squeeze down the chimney when he became stuck, AP reported.

Chuck Murphy, the owner of the cabin, said the cabin was vacant for 10 years, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported.

Murphy said he checked on the property periodically and that "it smelled bad," the Gazette reported.

The body was discovered on Aug. 7, when Murphy and a crew were tearing the cabin down to make way for a new development, the Gazette reported.

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