Apparent human skeletal remains, including a jaw with teeth still attached, were discovered at Lake Mead on August 16, officials confirmed, as water levels reached a new historic low.
The remains were found by a woman and her friend along the shoreline of Boulder Beach, located within Nevada state lines. The National Park Service and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the scene, though the incident remains under investigation. The Clark County Coroner’s Office was also present but did not initiate an investigation, according to authorities.
The discovery coincides with record-low water levels at Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the United States. On August 16, the water level dropped to 1,039.77 feet above sea level, surpassing the previous record low set in July 2022, per the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Discovery Details
The remains were found by Dianelis Molina Cruz, who was visiting the lake with her friend and his daughter. The friend, handling rocks in the water, picked up a jawbone with visible teeth. Cruz told KLAS-TV that the group initially reported the find as a potential discovery rather than a confirmed case.
Water Levels and Environmental Context
Lake Mead’s declining water levels have exposed previously submerged areas, including the shoreline where the remains were found. Local residents and visitors have noted the stark contrast between current conditions and historical water levels. Noel De Leon, a visitor, described the lake as “very low compared to where it should be,” adding that “as the water goes down, the skeletons come up.”
Officials have not released additional details about the remains, including their estimated age or whether they are linked to any known missing persons cases. The National Park Service stated that the investigation remains ongoing, with no further information available at this time.