Federal Investigation Launched After Human Remains Found in Nevada Desert

A federal investigation is underway following the discovery of multiple piles of human remains in the Nevada desert.

On July 28, a passerby stumbled upon dozens of piles of cremated remains, scattered along with zip ties and what appeared to be parts of an urn, adding to the mystery of the situation.

Upon analysis, the remains were confirmed to be human, referred to officially as "cremains" by federal officials.

No identifying information was found near the remains, which had been weathered by the rain and sun. Despite the effects of the elements, images from the site show the cremains arranged in neat, separate piles.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is collaborating with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to investigate the disturbing find. The remains were located along a dirt road near Searchlight, Nevada, a small rural community roughly an hour south of Las Vegas.

While scattering ashes on federal land is not illegal, Nevada law criminalizes "failing to dignify the dead," as reported by 8 News Now.

This law requires funeral operators to ensure the proper treatment of human remains.

The BLM manages vast stretches of land in the United States, with one in every ten acres falling under its jurisdiction. In a 2011 memo, the agency outlined that funeral homes and other commercial entities are prohibited from scattering cremated remains on land it oversees, due to the large quantities of remains involved.

The memo explained: "Cremated remains are not classified as hazardous substances. However, the volume of material from commercial cremated remains distribution could interfere with other land uses and may necessitate the designation and regulation of land as a functioning cemetery."

The memo further clarified that while commercial organizations are restricted, individuals and families may seek permission to scatter their loved ones' ashes on BLM-managed land.

"Inquiries from individuals and families regarding scattering cremated remains should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis," the memo stated.

In Nevada, there is no law prohibiting the scattering of ashes on publicly owned land.

8 News Now reports that the ashes found in the desert do not appear to be linked to a recently closed funeral home.

UNILAD has reached out to the Bureau of Land Management for further comment.