A combination of genetic genealogy and recent DNA test performed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation has positively identified a John Doe whose body was found on Independence Pass in June 1970 as Gardner Smith, a military veteran and considered one of the top American racers of his day. The discovery has provided closure to his daughter, Jeanne Gaida,  who was just one year old at the time of his disappearance.

“The word that really comes to mind is closure. There isn’t this open wound, this open-ended question, the mystery of Gardner Smith.” -Jeanne Gaida