Declared death in absentia
A person may be legally declared dead in absentia, i.e. a legal presumption of death may be declared, despite without proof of the person's death, such as the finding of remains (e.g., a corpse or skeleton) of that person. Such a declaration is usually made when a person has been missing for a long amount of time. If there is lack of evidence that the person is still alive after a period of time, then they could be legally declared dead. Amelia Earhart was declared dead in absentia.
Declared Death In Absentia Media
Jimmy Hoffa, who disappeared in 1975 and was presumed dead in 1982.