Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 | 6:02 p.m.
The Metro Police Search and Rescue Unit has recovered more human remains at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area after hikers found part of a human spine Thursday. Police on Friday said it doesn't appear foul play was involved in the death.
Metro Lt. Joe Ojeda said police on Friday found human ribs and skull fragments at the remote location.
“Can we say it was not a homicide? No,” Ojeda said. “But right now it doesn’t appear suspicious.”
Metro spokesman Bill Cassell said the remains were found in "extremely adverse terrain," not an area where someone could easily walk to. Search crews were lowered in by helicopter to investigate the area, he said.
“This particular individual was located on a ledge in a very inaccessible spot. You couldn’t climb to this location,” Cassell said.
Both Cassell and Ojeda said the remains look to have been there for years.
Police were notified Thursday afternoon by Bureau of Land Management authorities that part of a human spine wrapped in a T-shirt was found at Black Velvet Canyon near the Prince of Darkness rock climbing area. Hikers notified visitor’s center staff and park rangers, then Metro was called, police said.
The remains were turned over to the Clark County coroner, who will try to identify the person and determine a cause and manner of death.
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