A hiker discovered the remains of two people on Mount Yonah in White County, Georgia, on Sept. 9. The discovery prompted a response from local investigators, state conservation officers and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The deceased people have not been identified, and authorities have not released their ages, genders or suspected causes of death. The remains were sent to a state crime laboratory for identification and autopsies as the investigation continues.
The discovery was reported at about 11:20 a.m. on the popular northeast Georgia mountain near Cleveland and Helen. Investigators have not said how long the remains had been there or whether foul play is suspected.
| 1) | Discovery of the remains on Mount Yonah |
| 2) | Investigators respond to the mountain scene |
| 3) | Identification and autopsies remain central |
| 4) | Authorities have not determined how the deaths occurred |
| 5) | Mount Yonah is a popular hiking destination |
Discovery of the remains on Mount Yonah
A hiker found the remains of two people on Mount Yonah in White County at approximately 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. The discovery occurred on the mountain, which is located in northeast Georgia near the communities of Cleveland and Helen.
The identity of the hiker has not been released. Authorities also have not provided details about the precise location of the remains or explained whether they were found together. The sheriff’s office said the discovery involved two deceased people, but it has not released information about their physical condition or how long they may have been on the mountain.
Investigators respond to the mountain scene
White County Sheriff’s Office investigators and personnel from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources responded after the remains were reported. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Region 8 Crime Scene Unit was later called to assist with the examination of the scene.
The multi-agency response reflects the need to document evidence in a remote or rugged outdoor setting while determining the identities of the deceased. Officials have released few additional details, and the investigation remains active.
Identification and autopsies remain central
The remains were transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab. Officials said the laboratory will conduct autopsies to help determine the cause of death and assist with identification.
Sheriff Rick Kelley said investigators were working to identify the two deceased people. The sheriff’s office has not released their names, ages or genders. Those details are expected to depend on forensic examination and other investigative work.
The human remains located on Mount Yonah have been sent to the GBI crime lab for an autopsy to determine cause of death and for identification purposes.
Authorities have not determined how the deaths occurred
Authorities have not announced how the two people died. They also have not said whether the circumstances indicate an accident, natural deaths or possible foul play. No conclusion about the deaths has been made public while investigators await laboratory findings.
The length of time the remains were on Mount Yonah is also unknown. Investigators are examining the scene and pursuing identification information before releasing further details. The sheriff’s office said it would provide updates as information becomes available.
Mount Yonah is a popular hiking destination
Mount Yonah is located in northeast Georgia near Cleveland and Helen and is known as a destination for hikers. Its location and outdoor trails mean that visitors may encounter areas away from nearby roads and communities.
The mountain’s popularity helped place a member of the public at the scene when the remains were discovered. However, officials have not said whether the location of the remains was connected to hiking activity or whether the deceased people had any known relationship to the mountain.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A hiker discovered two sets of human remains on Mount Yonah on Sept. 9. |
| 2 | White County investigators, Georgia Department of Natural Resources officers and state crime-scene personnel responded. |
| 3 | The remains were sent to a crime laboratory for identification and autopsies. |
| 4 | The identities, ages, genders and causes of death have not been released. |
| 5 | The investigation remains active, and officials have not said whether foul play is suspected. |
Summary
The discovery of two sets of human remains on Mount Yonah has led to an active investigation involving local and state agencies. Forensic testing is expected to help identify the deceased and establish how they died. Until those examinations are complete, officials have released no determination about the circumstances or whether criminal activity was involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where were the remains found?
The remains were found on Mount Yonah in White County, northeast Georgia, near Cleveland and Helen.
When were the remains discovered?
A hiker reported finding the remains at about 11:20 a.m. on Sept. 9.
Have the two people been identified?
No. Investigators are working with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation crime lab to identify them.
Has a cause of death been announced?
No. Autopsies are planned to help determine the cause of death, and authorities have not said whether foul play is suspected.
