Local authorities have reported that a skeleton discovered near the Tikal archaeological site is believed to be that of US birdwatcher Raymond Ashcroft, who went missing over two years ago. His clothing was found at the scene, prompting a formal investigation.
Remains in Guatemalan Jungle Likely Belong to Missing US Birdwatcher
Remains in Guatemalan Jungle Likely Belong to Missing US Birdwatcher
New evidence suggests human bones found in Guatemala may belong to Raymond Vincent Ashcroft, a birdwatcher who vanished in February 2023.
Human remains uncovered in the dense jungles of Guatemala are suspected to be those of a US birdwatcher who has been missing for nearly two and a half years. Officials revealed that a lilac shirt, sandals, and shorts matching the description of Raymond Vincent Ashcroft, 66, were located close to where the bones were found.
Mr. Ashcroft was part of a birdwatching tour in February 2023 when he mysteriously disappeared. During the tour, when his wife stayed back to photograph wildlife, he opted to return to their accommodation but never arrived. Concern escalated when she promptly reported him missing after failing to meet him at the hotel in Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Search efforts were initiated soon after his disappearance, with authorities dispatching search parties just thirty minutes following his separation from the group. However, their attempts proved fruitless even with the aid of sniffer dogs to navigate the thick jungle terrain. In the weeks that followed, Interpol issued a yellow notice without receiving any credible sightings or leads.
The discovery was made recently by local villagers who stumbled upon the remains and clothing approximately 14 kilometers from the archaeological estate. Carlos Soza from the Guatemalan Attorney-General's Office for Crimes Against Foreign Tourists stated that the remains were found amidst dense wilderness and were only accessible on foot. To confirm the identity, a DNA test will be conducted.
Similar incidents have occurred in Tikal National Park, which has a history of missing tourists. In 2022, a German man perished from heatstroke after diverging from his group, while in 2023, a French family went missing for two days but were eventually found safe and dehydrated.
