Charon’s Garden reopens after human remains found

The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge has reopened Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area following the closure on Monday after a hiker found human remains in the area.

A hiker found human remains on Sunday in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area, according to Senior Wildlife Officer Shawn Komahcheet. Investigators closed Charon’s Garden, Elk Mountain trails, Sunset Picnic area, and Post Oak/Treasure Lake parking area while the remains were recovered. Those areas were reopened on Tuesday.

Neither the cause of death nor the person’s identity has been released. The remains have been sent to the Medical Examiner. Two hikers have been reported missing in the refuge this summer.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Services released an updated statement Tuesday regarding the closures, saying, “On Sunday, July 14, 2024, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge received notice of human remains in the Charon’s Garden Wilderness Area. The remains have been recovered and the incident is currently under investigation. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Refuge Law Enforcement is leading the investigation. We will continue to share information as appropriate. Areas closed to the public have been reopened and the Refuge is running under normal operations.”

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement is working the case. The body has been sent to the medical examiner, Komahcheet said.

Comanche County Sheriffs as well as FBI were originally called to the scene, but both agencies have since removed themselves.

“They contacted us still unsure of what they had,” said Sheriff Kenny Stradley in reference to why Comanche County Sheriffs weren’t involved. “It was going to be a long hike and a far climb down.” Officers would have to rappel down a cliff to get to the body, he said.

Stradley said he wanted to use a helicopter with a basket to retrieve the body and bring it to a parking lot rather than sending deputies, who are not trained in rappelling.

“I’ve got to take care of my guys. I don’t want my people getting hurt,” said Stradley.

The FBI, which investigates incidents on federal property, removed itself from the investigation after suicide was suspected, according to Stradley.

The Constitution reached out to the FBI for a comment and did not receive a response.

Since May 21, two people have been reported missing at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The body of another person was found last week at Quanah Parker Lake. The first person was reported missing May 21 and the second individual was reported missing on June 15 after his car was found at the Post Oak/Treasure Lake parking area. None of the investigations have shown that foul play is involved.

Hiking restrictions at the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge are still in place, meaning that no one should be on the trails past 10 a.m.