Two hunters made a grim discovery on Nov. 20 when they stumbled upon skeletal remains in the 60,000-acre Delta National Forest in Sharkey County.

Sharkey County Coroner Robert Barfield confirmed the discovery and stated that the remains appeared to have been in the area for “some time.”

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigations (MBI) has launched an inquiry into the case and is coordinating with local authorities.

The remains will be sent to the State Crime Lab for further analysis to determine the identity and cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details.