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Skeletal Remains Found In Joshua Tree National Park

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Published Date

December 22, 2019
Pinto Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park/NPS

Skeletal remains were found in the 49 Palms Oasis area not far from the Pinto Mountains/NPS

Authorities are working to identify skeletal remains found in the 49 Palms Oasis area on the northern border of Joshua Tree National Park.

Last Thursday morning park staff was notified that evidence of human remains was found in photographs taken of the area by an unidentified cooperating agency last summer. The discovery was made in a remote, rocky, steep location away from any trails.

On Friday, Joshua Tree law enforcement rangers hiked to the location and found human skeletal remains and personal belongings. There was no personal identification located with the remains, which appear to have been in that location for some time, a park release said.

An interagency investigation is currently ongoing, led by National Park Service law enforcement and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigators. How the individual died was undetermined, though there were no initial indicators of foul play.

Park officials advise hikers to always let someone know where you plan to hike and what time you plan to return. Always carry more water than you think you will need.

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Comments

Submitted by rumpelstiltskin on December 22, 2019 - 5:43pm.

I knew they'd find Jimmy Hoffa eventually.  It was only a matter of time.


Submitted by Rangerk on December 22, 2019 - 7:33pm.

That's a tasteless comment when it's most likely the remains of someone's loved one.


Submitted by Rudy Stefancik on December 23, 2019 - 1:20am.

Hopefully there may be DNA still in the bone marrow and/or teeth that might be of use by the Medical Examiner if anyone thinks it could be a relative.


Submitted by Jim Lucas on December 23, 2019 - 10:38am.

There has been a guy missing in that area for over a year...


Submitted by Cathy Tarr on December 23, 2019 - 10:54am.

The unidentified agency is Western States Aerial out of Utah. They flew drones a few weeks back after receiving a special permit to fly from the USFS. The images were exceptional and the teamwork was outstanding. Prayers to the family. 


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