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Hiker discovers skeletal remains near Highway 99 By DAMIAN MANN Mail Tribune ROGUE RIVER - The skeletal remains of an unidentified man were found Saturday by a hiker who initially discovered a tennis shoe filled with bones a few hundred feet from Highway 99. Sheriff's officials have not yet identified the dead man, but after a search of the area, they discovered his torso, leg bones and skull. The torso was found relatively intact, still covered in clothing, but many of the other bones were scattered, presumably by animals. The cause of death has not been determined, and no identification was reportedly found with the remains. Deputies believe the skeleton had been near a skid road on the side of a forested hill for one to three years. Further investigation will be required to determine the precise length of time the remains were at the site. The hiker, walking in the area at around 2 p.m. Saturday, first found a tennis shoe. On further examination, deputies said he discovered a sock stuffed inside the shoe. The sock contained some foot bones. After this discovery, the hiker called the Sheriff's Department. Deputies searched the area for the remainder of the day, but guarded the site during the night and continued with their search Sunday. Although an age hasn't been determined, deputies say the victim had a set of false teeth from the upper portion of his mouth, generally indicating an older person. An examination of the remains is scheduled for today by medical examiners. Investigators also recovered remnants of clothing and other items that were distributed over the area, just north of the city of Rogue River. Sheriff's officials wouldn't reveal what the other items were, but did say they could potentially contribute to the identification of the man. Investigators are reviewing cases of local, state and national missing person reports to determine if this victim matches any of the descriptions. Some of the missing people being reviewed are from Southern Oregon. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.