Coconino County sheriff’s officials say they’ve recovered the apparent remains of a Sedona man who’s been missing for nearly a decade.

Sedona police say 38-year-old Paul Ashley was reported missing in October 2007. Now, the Medical Examiner’s Office will attempt to make a positive identification, and try to determine the cause and manner of death.

Late last month, a hiker found human bones and a weathered shoe in steep terrain north of Sedona. Sheriff's deputies and detectives then hiked into the area and located the bones, the shoe and also some tattered clothing. Over the weekend, another search found more bones and clothing, as well as a handgun.

Detectives were able to verify the serial number of the handgun matched the one Ashley bought in Flagstaff before he disappeared.

The Associated Press Contributed to this report.