The remains of a Maryland man who went missing in Richmond Hill in 2019 have been found, police say.

The Richmond Hill Police Department said Brian Kennedy went missing in November, 2019, and his disappearance was widely reported on social media.

Remains were discovered Jan. 9 and confirmed to be those of Kennedy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation was led by RHPD Detective Jesus Gonzales, who “worked diligently for nearly 14 months trying to locate Mr. Kennedy,” according to RHPD.

Leads came in from all over the Southeast region. From as far north as Tennessee and south to the Orlando, Florida area, according to RHPD Capt. Jason Sakelarios.

“Det. Gonzales followed every lead he got and dug deep into the life of Mr. Kennedy in an attempt to locate him. During his investigation, Det. Gonzales had search and rescue dogs deployed to multiple areas in Richmond Hill. He and other detectives also searched areas in Bryan and Chatham Counties as leads were followed up.”

Sakelerios said remains discovered in a wooded area and reported to RHPD on Jan. 9 led to the their identification, and on Jan. 12 search and rescue dogs were deployed in the area and the rest of Kennedy’s remains were found.

The GBI was able to determine that the remains that were discovered were, in fact, those of Mr. Brian Kennedy.

“The outpouring of support from the community to the Kennedy family and to the Richmond Hill Police was a great show of caring and solidarity. Leads came in from the community by people who thought they saw him. Comments of support on social media were directed to the family. In a sense, thousands of eyes were looking for Brian Kennedy and the community rallied around the family to help comfort and support them,” Sakalerios said.

“Though the outcome of great loss, we are hopeful that with definitive answers, the Kennedy family can begin to heal,” he said.