ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after human remains were discovered in a remote area of northeastern Buncombe County near the Yancey County line.
Patrol deputies responded just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday to a report from hunters who were scouting the area near 87 Coleman Boundary Road in Pisgah National Forest and found the remains.
Authorities said the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition. Investigators are awaiting autopsy results to determine the person’s identity and cause of death.
“Our Criminal Investigations Division and CSI team will work with the U.S. Forest Service to provide answers and closure to those impacted by this investigation,” District 2 Capt. Chris Stockton said in a statement. “We appreciate the work of the members of the Barnardsville Fire Department, Buncombe County EMS and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office who worked together to navigate treacherous terrain throughout the night to ensure a thorough investigation could be accomplished.”
No additional details have been released.