Genetic tests on remains recovered near a wrecked plane last month in the mountains of northern California confirmed the death of millionaire adventurer Steve Fossett, officials said Monday.

The sheriff`s office for Madera County, California said in a statement that DNA tests on two bones were a `conclusive` match to Fossett, ending a yearlong mystery about the fate of the aviator, who disappeared in September 2007.

`What his family has wanted for over a year now -- what his family has needed -- is closure,` said Sheriff John Anderson in the statement.

The DNA tests were conducted by a laboratory run by the California Department of Justice Forensics.

The remains were recovered on October 29.

A team of several searchers also recovered credit cards, an Illinois Driver’s license, cash, clothing and a pair of tennis shoes, according to the statement.

The mangled wreckage of Fossett`s single-engine Bellanca was found October 2. Fossett was declared legally dead by a Chicago probate judge on February 15.