Forensic anthropologist called to help identify body found in Somerset County

(WTAJ) — Investigators are turning to a forensic expert after a body found in Somerset proved too decomposed to identify.

Authorities said the remains, discovered Friday, are being treated as a John or Jane Doe while investigators work to determine both identity and cause of death. Somerset County Chief Deputy Coroner Alexis Lichty said even the person’s gender is unclear due to the advanced state of decomposition.

According to our media partners at The Tribune-Democrat, the individual was found clothed but without identification. No wallet, ID cards or visible tattoos were located, leaving few immediate clues for investigators.

The remains are being transported to Mercyhurst University, where forensic anthropologist Dennis Dirkmaat and his team will examine the body for details that co