Nearly a Decade After Hurricane Irma, Big Pine Key 'John Doe' Identified as James Donald Schlake

Authorities have confirmed the identity of human remains recovered in the Florida Keys nearly a decade ago following Hurricane Irma. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) announced on Jan. 21 that the body found in a debris pile on Sept. 14, 2017, in Big Pine Key has been positively identified as James Donald Schlake, 77, of Key Largo.

The remains were discovered during post‑storm search operations after Irma, the Category 5 hurricane that killed nearly 129 people and caused roughly $90 billion in damage. The man was found wearing a life jacket; following an autopsy, the Monroe County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be drowning and the manner accidental.

How the Case Was Solved

When investigators first examined the remains in 2017, they estimated the decedent to be an adult male between 45 and 75 years old, about 5'10" and 115 pounds, with partially gray hair and a short beard and mustache. Officials were unable to identify him at the time, and he became known as "Monroe County John Doe."

In December 2023, a sample from the case was submitted to FDLE laboratories but produced no leads. In June 2025, detectives submitted material to Othram, a private DNA laboratory specializing in advanced sequencing and genetic genealogy. Othram’s scientists generated a DNA extract and built a comprehensive genetic profile, which allowed investigators to locate and test relatives. A family DNA comparison confirmed the identity as James Donald Schlake, born Dec. 17, 1940.

"FDLE’s Key West Field Office and Forensic Services turned over every stone to identify Mr. Schlake," FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said. "Our statewide forensic resources and strong partnerships are critical to supporting Florida’s communities and law enforcement agencies."

"People should know that it doesn't matter how old a case is — if there is DNA, there is technology here today that works and is able to bring answers to families," said Kristen Mittelman, Othram’s chief development officer. "This is powerful technology, and cases like this can absolutely be solved."

The FDLE noted this is the 49th publicly announced Florida identification in which Othram has assisted. Local and state investigators said the identification brings long‑awaited answers to Schlake’s relatives and to the Florida Keys community nearly a decade after the remains were discovered in the storm’s aftermath.

Timeline (Key Dates)
• Sept. 14, 2017 — Remains discovered in Big Pine Key during post‑Irma operations.
• Dec. 2023 — Sample tested at FDLE labs with no immediate leads.
• June 2025 — Advanced sequencing and genetic genealogy conducted by Othram, leading to a match and positive identification.