A hiker’s unsettling discovery on a Georgia mountain has prompted a multiagency investigation after the remains of two people were found, leaving authorities with several unanswered questions.
The White County Sheriff’s Office said the remains were located on Mount Yonah in White County around 11:20 a.m. on Sept. 9.
Sheriff’s investigators, along with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, responded to the area after the hiker reported the find.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Region 8 Crime Scene Unit was also brought in to assist with processing and examining the scene.
Authorities have released very limited information as the investigation continues.
The sheriff’s office has not publicly identified the two people or disclosed their causes of death.
Officials have also not released their ages or genders, and it remains unclear how long the remains had been on Mount Yonah.
Investigators have not said whether they suspect foul play in the deaths.
The investigation remained ongoing Wednesday, with Sheriff Rick Kelley saying his office would provide more information as it becomes available.
“The human remains located on Mt. Yonah have been sent to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy to determine cause of death and for identification purpose,” the sheriff said in a press release Thursday afternoon.
“Investigators are working on trying to identify the two deceased persons. The investigation is active and ongoing.”
Mount Yonah is in northeast Georgia, near the cities of Helen and Cleveland, and is a popular destination for hikers.
