But the circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery.

As The Herald reported on Tuesday, Mr Quire’s remains were found by two men and their dog in a remote part of the range near Freemans Waterhole on Saturday.

A strike force made up of Lake Macquarie and State Crime Command homicide detectives was formed to investigate the grisly find.

Officers said that Mr Quire was formally identified through dental and DNA records.

Police investigating his death appealed for public help yesterday, saying they were still baffled by the discovery.

‘‘All I can tell you is that he’s been identified,’’ Lake Macquarie Chief Inspector Kim Sorensen said.

‘‘We’re as puzzled as anybody.’’

No missing person report had been filed in relation to Mr Quire.

His body had partially decomposed but did not appear to have lain in the shallow bush grave for long.

Police said the photograph of Mr Quire they had released was the only known picture of him.

It had not come from his family, but ‘‘from other sources’’.

Chief Inspector Sorensen said police were appealing for help as they investigated the circumstances surrounding Mr Quire’s disappearance and death.

Police have urged anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.