On Thursday, September 09, 2021 at approximately 1:30 PM skeletonized human remains were discovered within the Point Reyes National Seashore west of Five Brooks Trailhead within the Olema Valley.  An individual passing off-trail discovered the remains, contacted law enforcement and advised them of their observations.  The setting was within a remote part of the park not near the hiking trail system. Due to the position and rugged terrain not accessible by motorized means, the National Park Service Rangers hiked to the reported location and completed a scene investigation.  The remains were then transported from the scene to the Coroner Division laboratory for additional analysis and ongoing investigation.  The overall condition of the remains and items located at the scene is suggestive of them having been exposed to the elements for a significant time period.   

The decedent has not been positively identified as of this writing.  The identification process will be a long and laborious process involving the Coroner Division staff and subject matter experts from the State of California Department of Justice Missing and Unidentified Persons Section; the State of California Department Bureau of Forensic Services Jan Bashinski DNA Laboratory; forensic anthropology services via California State University- Chico Human Identification Lab; and other specialists to include a forensic odontologist.  

An examination and analysis of the recovered remains will be completed later this week by Chief Forensic Pathologist Dr. Joseph Cohen.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the Point Reyes National Seashore National Park Service Rangers and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the Point Reyes National Seashore National Park Service Rangers.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

 Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043