David DeMille

ddemille@thespectrum.com

ST. GEORGE – Investigators are working to identify the remains of a human skeleton found over the weekend by a group of Boy Scouts hiking through the Arizona Strip.

The human bones, including a skull, were found scattered across a small area south of Hurricane, across the Arizona border. Several other bones were found, as well as hair and some personal belongings, including a pair of pants and blanket, according to members of the Scout group who came across the remains.

There was no identification made as of Monday morning, and witnesses said it was difficult even to say whether the remains belonged to a male or female. There was also no information on how long ago the person had died.

"There was nothing still intact. It was all spread out," said Ruben Togisala, a parent who was traveling with Scout Troop 1871 out of Cedar City when they came across the remains on Saturday.

Togisala said the group had been scheduled for a hike in the Duck Creek area, but cold weather sent them south instead.

"We weren't even supposed to be there," he said.

The only hope is that the discovery helps bring closure for whoever knew the person, he said.

Trish Carter, public information officer with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office, said the incident was still under investigation early Monday, although no details were yet available. More information should be available later in the day, she said.

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