The protracted uncertainty surrounding the disappearance of William "Will" Cross has finally come to a close after nearly seven years. The Scott County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) confirmed that human remains discovered in October 2023 in McCreary County, Kentucky, belong to Cross, who had been missing since May 2018, as per a report by WBIR. Cross, who was 29 at the time of his disappearance, was last contacted by a family member while he claimed to be walking in the woods. The call was abruptly cut off, and Cross was not heard from again.

The investigation saw extensive collaboration, with the SCSO expressing gratitude toward those who assisted in the search and recovery efforts. These included SCSO Detective David Stephens and the Southeast Search and Rescue team from Georgia, led by David Gesualdo and Dr. Arpad Vass with Forensic Recovery Services. WVLT reported this acknowledgment. SCSO said, "Sheriff Brian Keeton and the Scott County Sheriff's Office extends its sincerest gratitude to SCSO Detective David Stephens, David Gesualdo and his Southeast Search and Rescue team from Georgia, and Dr. Arpad Vass with Forensic Recovery Services, for their contribution and assistance to law enforcement in McCreary County, Ky during the search and recovery efforts of Mr. Cross."

Acknowledging the situation's sensitivity, the SCSO and Cross's family have asked for the community's support and respect for their privacy during this difficult period. After the identification, the Scott County Sheriff's Office posted that "Mr. Cross' family has been notified and has requested privacy during this difficult time. We ask that the community keep the family, friends, and all those involved in your thoughts and prayers."