Drone Pilot Uses Thermal Imaging to Locate Possible Human Remains in 5-Year Missing Person Case

A New Hampshire drone operator has played a crucial role in a potential breakthrough of a long-standing missing person case by providing authorities with precise aerial thermal imagery that led to the discovery of human remains. The findings could finally bring closure in the five-year search for Amanda Grazewski, who disappeared from Derry in March 2020, reports WMUR9ABC.

Drone Technology Proves Critical in Marsh Area Search

Jenness Keller, operating Sky Dog Aerial Thermal Imaging based in Hudson, New Hampshire, surveyed approximately 75 acres of challenging water and marsh terrain near the Hoodkroft Country Club golf course in Derry. The search, conducted on Thursday, March 20, utilized specialized thermal imaging capabilities to scan areas that had previously proven difficult for conventional search methods.

“You go into it hoping that you’ll find something, but have zero expectations and hope that you’re surprised,” Keller explained in an interview about the search operation. “The last point of interest was the most interesting one. That was four feet long, and I could barely make out two legs and an arm and a torso.”

Keller’s technical approach involved capturing between 900 to 1,000 high-resolution images, which were then stitched together to create a comprehensive aerial map with remarkable half-inch precision. This meticulous process allowed Keller and his wife to identify six distinct points of interest, with one image clearly suggesting the presence of human remains.

From Software Engineering to Specialized Drone Operations

This case represents a significant departure from Keller’s typical work. After transitioning from a 40-year career in software engineering, he established a drone service primarily focused on locating missing pets.

“It’s primarily for searching for pets like dogs and cats and horses and stuff like that,” Keller noted. “It’s not too often that you are called in or asked to look for remains.”

The professional drone pilot became involved with the Grazewski case when family friends approached him with new information about her 2020 disappearance. After conducting his comprehensive aerial survey, Keller shared his findings with Derry Police on March 18-19, providing crucial intelligence that guided authorities to the discovery site.

Investigation Continues as Authorities Process the Scene

The skeletal remains were discovered on Thursday, March 20, in a joint operation between local and state authorities. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, Derry Police Chief, and New Hampshire State Police Colonel released a joint statement confirming the discovery near the golf course.

While the investigation continues, experts from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and forensic anthropologists are now examining the remains. Officials have cautioned that definitive identification could take months to complete, noting that the age of the remains, cause of death, individual’s age, biological sex, and identity all remain undetermined at this time.

The Hoodkroft Country Club golf course remains closed to the public as investigators continue processing the scene. Officials expect to maintain their presence at the location for at least another day.

Case Background and Significance

Amanda Grazewski was reported missing on March 17, 2020, from an apartment on Birch Street in Derry. At the time of her disappearance, she left behind her personal belongings, raising immediate concerns. The discovery of these remains comes just after the fifth anniversary of her disappearance.

For Keller, the potential breakthrough represents the meaningful impact Drone Technology can have beyond commercial applications. “I hope my work will help bring the Grazewski family some closure,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight of the case.

DroneXL’s Take

This case highlights the rapidly evolving capabilities of drone technology in Search and Rescue operations, particularly in difficult terrain where traditional methods face significant limitations. The precision and efficiency demonstrated here—surveying 75 acres of marshland and producing high-resolution imagery with half-inch accuracy—showcases how commercial drone technology has advanced to become an invaluable tool for law enforcement and search teams.

The transition of professionals like Keller from traditional technology careers into specialized drone operations also points to an emerging trend of experienced technical experts finding new applications for their skills in the Drone Industry. As these technologies continue to mature and become more accessible, we can expect to see more instances where drone operators play crucial roles in resolving complex cases that have eluded conventional approaches.

Photo courtesy of WMUR9ABC.