SHARPS CHAPEL, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Authorities are investigating after human remains were discovered Monday evening in a remote area of Union County.
Union County Sheriff-elect Rick Carter said he was contacted around 7 p.m. on August 10 after a hunter reported finding what appeared to be human remains near a steep embankment in Sharps Chapel.
After responding to the scene, Carter confirmed the remains were human.
“At around 7 p.m., I got a call stating that a hunter thought that they saw human remains,” Carter said.
According to investigators, the remains were located approximately 250 feet down a steep embankment.
Among the items recovered were:
- A human skull
- Several rib bones
- Two leg bones
- Additional skeletal remains
Carter said officials estimate approximately 50 to 60 bones were found at the scene.
Remains Sent for Examination
After the discovery, authorities contacted the medical examiner’s office. The remains were collected and transported to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for examination and identification.
Investigators will work to determine the identity of the individual and how long the remains may have been at the location.
Possible Link to Missing Person Case
Carter said he has been monitoring a missing person’s investigation for more than a year involving an area relatively close to where the remains were discovered.
While no identification has been made, Carter said investigators hope to learn within the next several days whether the remains could be connected to that case.
At this time, authorities have not released the name of any missing person potentially linked to the discovery.
Investigation Continues
Officials stressed that the identification process remains ongoing and that investigators have not determined how the individual ended up at the location or whether foul play was involved.
Additional information is expected once forensic testing is completed.
