Human remains discovered over Memorial Day weekend on a remote Mississippi River island have prompted a multi-agency investigation involving authorities from Arkansas and Mississippi.
On the evening of Sunday, May 25th, Sheriff Mitch Grant of Desha County was contacted by the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission after receiving a report from Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries regarding the discovery. According to initial information, a family had docked their boat on a secluded island near Snow Lake, located on the northern edge of Desha County. While enjoying recreational activities, children playing in the area stumbled upon what appeared to be human remains.
Due to severe weather conditions that evening, efforts to reach the site were delayed until the following morning. On Monday, May 26th, Sheriff Grant, accompanied by the Desha County Criminal Investigations Division, the Desha County Coroner, Arkansas Game & Fish, Mississippi Wildlife & Fisheries, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol, launched boats to access the remote location.
Upon arrival, investigators began a careful excavation of the scene. Alongside skeletal remains, they recovered clothing and a wallet buried in the sand nearby. After preliminary assessment, authorities believe the remains may belong to a man from Mississippi County who was reported missing in 2022.
The Desha County Criminal Investigation Division and Coroner’s Office are coordinating closely with investigators in Mississippi County, Arkansas, and Kennett, Missouri—the last known location of the missing individual—to determine the circumstances surrounding the case.
The identity of the deceased has not been publicly released, pending confirmation from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. Investigator Alan Hernandez has notified the missing man’s family of the discovery and the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say the case remains open and active as they await forensic results and continue to piece together the events that led to the remains being found in such a remote area.
