SPOKANE COUNTY, WA — Major Crimes Detectives with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office are investigating after human remains were discovered May 14 in the Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area north of Spokane.

Deputies responded around 4:10 p.m. after hikers reported finding remains near the 12700 block of North Vistawood Court. The hikers led deputies to the location.

Investigators said the remains, believed to be male, were in various stages of decomposition.

Major Crimes Detectives, the Emergency Operations Team, Search and Rescue volunteers and the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit assisted with documenting the scene, collecting evidence and recovering the remains.

The identity of the deceased, along with the cause and manner of death, remain unknown. Detectives are continuing to work with the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office as the investigation remains active.