The find, accompanied by clothing matching the missing man's, raises questions about his disappearance.
**Human Remains Discovered in Guatemalan Jungle Linked to Missing US Birdwatcher from 2023**
**Human Remains Discovered in Guatemalan Jungle Linked to Missing US Birdwatcher from 2023**
Authorities are investigating remains thought to belong to Raymond Ashcroft, who vanished while birdwatching in Tikal.
Human remains found in the Guatemalan jungle are believed to be those of Raymond Vincent Ashcroft, a US birdwatcher missing since February 2023. Local authorities report that clothing matching what Ashcroft wore during his disappearance was found alongside the bones, approximately 14 kilometers from the renowned Tikal archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage location.
The 66-year-old was part of a sightseeing group exploring Tikal when he decided to head back to their lodging but never arrived. His wife, who was documenting their visit, reported him missing shortly thereafter. Despite immediate search efforts initiated just half an hour after he split from the group, authorities were unable to locate Ashcroft, prompting the involvement of Interpol weeks later when no sightings were reported.
Recent discoveries, including the human remains and matching garments, came from local villagers who uncovered the items amidst the thick jungle foliage. Carlos Soza from the Attorney-General's office stated that a DNA test is required to confirm the identity of the found remains.
This incident is not isolated, as Tikal National Park has seen a number of tourists go missing over the years. In 2022, a German tourist lost his life after being separated from his group, while in 2023, a French family was found safe after being lost for two days. These occurrences underline the risks tourists face in the vast and rugged terrain of the national park.
The 66-year-old was part of a sightseeing group exploring Tikal when he decided to head back to their lodging but never arrived. His wife, who was documenting their visit, reported him missing shortly thereafter. Despite immediate search efforts initiated just half an hour after he split from the group, authorities were unable to locate Ashcroft, prompting the involvement of Interpol weeks later when no sightings were reported.
Recent discoveries, including the human remains and matching garments, came from local villagers who uncovered the items amidst the thick jungle foliage. Carlos Soza from the Attorney-General's office stated that a DNA test is required to confirm the identity of the found remains.
This incident is not isolated, as Tikal National Park has seen a number of tourists go missing over the years. In 2022, a German tourist lost his life after being separated from his group, while in 2023, a French family was found safe after being lost for two days. These occurrences underline the risks tourists face in the vast and rugged terrain of the national park.
