The remains of a man found in a grave in Sandoval County in 2001 have been identified 24 years later as Hawaiian Keeble Wofford Sr., also known as Kimo Mahi, a wrestler and actor from the 1950s.
Othram, a DNA lab in Texas, recently identified Wofford, who appeared in films like “Twilight for the Gods” with Rock Hudson and TV shows such as “Sea Hunt,” “Hawaiian Eye,” and “Flight.” He also had a successful wrestling career under aliases like Red Eagle and Black Hawk, competing in over 130 matches.
Hikers discovered the human remains in May 2001 near Cuba in the Santa Fe National Forest. Initially thought to be multiple individuals, the remains were determined to be those of one adult male. Despite years of investigation, the identity remained a mystery until the Sandoval County Sheriff’s Department and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator submitted forensic evidence to Othram.
Using advanced DNA testing, Othram scientists developed a DNA profile that led to the identification of a possible daughter of Wofford. A DNA sample from the daughter confirmed the identity in April. A death certificate has been issued, and Wofford’s cremated remains will be given to his daughter.
The circumstances of Wofford’s death are still under investigation. He reportedly traveled from Pueblo, Colorado, to Albuquerque in September 1992 for a business meeting and was never heard from again.