Authorities are investigating after skeletal remains were discovered near Scotts Bluff National Monument, drawing a large law enforcement and emergency response to the area Saturday morning.
According to Gering Police Capt. Jason Rogers, officers received a phone call Friday afternoon from a reporting party who said they saw what appeared to be human remains near the north side of the monument. The area was secured, and investigators returned to the scene Saturday morning to continue the search and documentation.
Reports indicate the discovery drew attention around 10 a.m. Saturday, after a man walking his dog observed activity near the site. Officials believe the remains may have first been spotted around 6 p.m. Friday evening.
In addition to Gering Police, the response included Gering Fire and Rescue, officers with the National Park Service, and the Scotts Bluff County CERT Team. The Nebraska State Patrol also assisted at the scene, with radio communications noting the use of LE Secure 5 — a channel typically reserved for the most sensitive investigations.
An officer on scene said the remains appear to have been there for several years. The Scotts Bluff County coroner’s office is assisting with examination and identification, and the National Park Service has been notified due to the monument’s proximity to federal land.
Capt. Rogers said it will be a lengthy process to determine both the identity of the individual and a possible cause of death, one that will require the assistance of a forensic laboratory.
Englebert Family Notified On Saturday, the mother of Chance Englebert publicly confirmed she had been contacted by Gering Police regarding the discovery. Englebert, a Wyoming man, was 25 when he disappeared in July 2019 after reportedly walking away from a family gathering in Gering following a dispute. Despite years of searches involving drones, K9 units, and volunteers, no trace of him was found.
Authorities have not confirmed any connection between the remains and the Englebert case, though speculation has circulated locally.
Scotts Bluff National Monument, a landmark along the historic Oregon Trail, occasionally becomes the focus of search or recovery operations due to its rugged terrain and remote sections. Officials have not said whether any public trails or areas have been closed during the investigation.
Capt. Rogers said the investigation remains ongoing and that further information will be released as results become available.
This is a developing story.