Pierce County, WA Human Remains Found in Wooded Area

Frederickson, WA – Human remains found in a heavily wooded area of Pierce County are under investigation Thursday as authorities work to identify the deceased person and determine how they died.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday to the 7700 block of 176th Street East in the Frederickson area after someone reported finding possible human remains.

Deputies responded and confirmed that the remains were human, the sheriff's office said.

Pierce County sheriff's detectives and forensic personnel were then called to the scene to begin a death investigation. Authorities said a significant law enforcement presence remained in the area throughout Wednesday afternoon while investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.

The remains were in an advanced state of decomposition and could not immediately be identified, according to the sheriff's office. Authorities did not release information about the person's estimated age or sex.

The Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office will work to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the cause and manner of death.

The sheriff's office has not said whether investigators suspect foul play, and no information about how long the remains may have been at the location was included in Thursday's announcement.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities said additional information will depend on findings from investigators and the medical examiner.