Norwegian authorities have confirmed the discovery of Stian Hole's remains in Hamarøy, Nordland county. The 41-year-old had been missing for over two years since his disappearance in June 2023.
His brother Morten Hole described receiving the news as "an incredible relief" after what he called "two and a half years of crisis." The family had experienced both hopeful moments and what he described as "the darkest valleys" during the extensive search.
Police located Hole's body in the Molvika area of Hamarøy on October 16 following a tip from the public about clothing spotted in the remote terrain. The discovery site lies approximately 15 kilometers from the Joker store in Storjord where Hole was last seen in summer 2023.
"We had prepared ourselves for some time that Stian was no longer alive," Morten Hole told reporters. "For us, the most important thing was to find him."
The rugged Bogenes peninsula where Hole was found presents challenging search conditions with steep, difficult terrain. Police technical teams have been conducting forensic examinations at the site since Tuesday, with work expected to continue through Friday.
Police attorney Øyvind Rengård confirmed that dental records have positively identified the remains as Stian Hole. An autopsy performed at Oslo University Hospital will now work to determine the cause of death.
Three individuals remain under investigation for potential involvement in Hole's death, though all maintain their innocence. One of the original suspects was found deceased in September.
Defense attorney Finn Ove Smith, representing one suspect, said his client was "particularly happy" about the discovery. "This can also stop the rumors since we now know what happened to Hole," Smith stated.
Another defense lawyer, Sol Elden, noted her female client feels relieved that Hole has been found but remains "unable to understand the charges against her."
Police have implemented a drone ban within a four-kilometer radius of the discovery site through Friday afternoon and are asking the public to avoid the area entirely.
The case highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations in Norway's vast wilderness areas, where difficult terrain can complicate search efforts for extended periods.