Human remains that have been decomposing “for an extended period of time” have been found off a public hiking trail in Utah, police said.
The Washington City Police Department reported finding human remains near the Bone Wash Trail and Elephant Arch hiking area in Washington City in southern Utah — about 125 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada — authorities said in a statement Tuesday. .
“On January 12, 2025, a hiker reported what appeared to be human remains near the Elephant Arch hike,” the Washington Metropolitan Police Department said in a press release. “Washington City Police officers and Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately responded to the scene and confirmed the presence of human remains in various forms of decomposition, indicating they had been there for an extended period of time.”
Detectives immediately began processing the area and were able to identify the remains as those of a man, police said.
“The remains have been taken to the Medical Examiner’s office for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of death,” the authorities said. “At this point, foul play doesn’t appear to be a factor.”
Authorities later confirmed the identity of the dead man and notified his family of his death, although he has not yet been publicly identified.
“Out of respect for the family, the identity will not be released at this time,” the police said. “The case remains active pending the completion of all reports, including the findings of the Medical Examiner.”
Officials did not say how they identified the remains, or that they plan to release more information about the case.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased,” the authorities said. “We also express our gratitude to the various agencies that assisted in the investigation.”
