Corpse discovered in Saluda being sent to Raleigh

SALUDA — No identifying markers were found on the human remains found in Saluda last Wednesday morning.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said an autopsy performed Friday was unable to determine any identifying characteristics on the remains.

“The remains have been sent to Raleigh for further examination and testing,” said Polk County Sheriff Tim Wright. “The process can take up to two to three months before we receive any information.”

A skeleton was found Wednesday morning off Howard Gap Road in Saluda. A neighbor was walking a dog and saw a skull about 30-40 feet down an embankment. The neighbor contacted the sheriff’s office, with authorities determining the skull and skeleton discovered was human.

The sheriff’s office contacted the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, which has taken over the investigation.

Wright said the remains were found just before Warrior Mountain Baptist Church and have been there for a while.

At first examination, the remains were thought to be female because of the clothes remaining on the skeleton, but that has yet to be determined.

The sheriff’s office is not aware of any missing people in Polk County, so officials reached out to other counties last week to alert them that the remains were discovered.

The sheriff’s office is asking if anyone knows of someone missing to reach out to the law enforcement office.

“If you know of anyone, male or female, that is missing in the area, please do not hesitate to contact Capt. Breean Williams or Detective Sgt. Daniel Elliott at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office,” Wright said Friday.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office can be reached by calling 828-894-3001.