Florida’s Highlands County officials have opened an investigation after a group of children discovered skeletal remains while playing inside an abandoned house.
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In a press release by the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the discovery occurred on Memorial Drive in Avon Park on Thursday, July 11.
Upon discovering the skeletal remains in the Florida abandoned home, the children told a nearby adult, who called the police. During the initial investigation, officials confirmed that the remains appeared to have been inside the structure for well over a year.
“It appears the person was using the house as a shelter,” officials determined. “Detectives are working to positively identify the person and the medical examiner will attempt to determine a cause of death.”
The post’s photo shows the Florida abandoned house where the skeletal remains were discovered appeared to be run down, with overgrown weeds and trees around it.
Highlands County Sheriff’s Office also encouraged anyone who has information about the remains to call 863-402-7250 or email detectives@highlandssheriff.org.
Florida Community Reacts to Skeletal Remains Discovery
Meanwhile, Avon Park, Florida community members share their thoughts about the skeletal remains being found in the abandoned house.
“Every time I pass by that structure I got a creepy vibe,” one resident stated. “Why don’t they just demolish it so this doesn’t happen again? And clear off the land. It’s an eye sore.”
Another resident had initially suspected that the authorities were in the area for a body discovery. “I drove by as soon as they arrived on scene, and I said to myself ‘I bet you they will find a body” I’m in a little bit of disbelief on how correct my assumption was.”
One person, who claimed their parents lived on the other side of the house stated it has been abandoned for many years. “I go over to my parents all the time and never thought anything of it. That’s so crazy.”
Others pointed out how terrifying the situation was for the children who discovered the remains. “Scary for those kids. But at least they told someone they couldn’t have and this person could have never gotten discovered. Hopefully, it can bring closure to a family of this person.”
An observer questioned who could the skeletal remains be. “Curious to know who it is I haven’t heard about anyone missing around that area pretty weird.”
According to the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office website, four people are currently missing. The latest person to be reported missing in the county was in Jan. 2021.