More human remains were found at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, marking the sixth discovery this year.
The causes and manners of death for the other sets of remains have not been determined.The first set of remains was found in what a witness described as a 50-gallon drum in Hemenway Harbor, about 30 miles south of Callville Bay. The person, who has not been publicly identified, appeared to have been fatally shot decades ago, Las Vegas police has said.The May 7 remains, which were also found at Callville Bay, were identified in August as those of Thomas Erndt, 42.
In August, a spokesman for the coroner's office said authorities were looking into whether the remains found in the Boulder Beach area on Aug. 6 and July 25 were from the same person. The spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and the status of that investigation remained clear.The National Park Service has not responded to requests for comment on what might be behind the grim discoveries.
The remains have been found amid a worsening drought and record-low water levels. According to the park service, as of Thursday only one of its boat ramps remained open. In addition to being the country's largest reservoir, responsible for providing water to 40 million people, Lake Mead is one of the busiest national parks in the country, having drawn 7.6 million visitors last year.