Shenandoah National Park staff confirmed Tuesday evening that human remains were found in the Naked Creek backcountry on Sept. 22, WHSV reported. The confirmation came three weeks after the discovery.
Allysah Fox, a visual information specialist with the park, told the station by email that the remains were found near a tent. A hiker was reported missing that same evening, which set off a search and rescue operation with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. The reporting available so far does not say whether the two events are connected, and no one has been publicly identified.
Fox said investigators noticed evidence of wildlife in the area but have not determined whether it relates to the case. The cause of death is still unknown.
A closure that came two weeks later
The National Park Service lists the Naked Creek backcountry zone as closed until further notice, effective Oct. 7. WUSA9 reported that the closure came 16 days after the remains were found and that it covers the Naked Creek Overlook. The park has not said publicly why the closure followed the discovery by that interval, and it has given no reopening date.
For anyone with a backcountry trip planned
Overnight stays in the park’s backcountry require a permit, and permits are issued year-round through Recreation.gov. The site tells campers to check the park’s website for current closure areas before they go. Questions about a permit or itinerary can go to the park’s backcountry office at 540-948-1143 or shen_backcountry@nps.gov.
The park’s standing food rules apply in every zone. Food, garbage and cooking gear must sit in a bear-resistant container or hang at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet from the trunk, according to the same permit page. In an emergency, the park’s line is 1-800-732-0911.
Much remains unanswered here: who the person was, how they died, and what the investigation will find. Shenandoan will update this story when the park or the medical examiner releases more.