Local officials found bones and clothing matching Ashcroft's near Tikal archaeological site.
Human remains discovered near the Tikal archaeological site in Guatemala are thought to be those of Raymond Vincent Ashcroft, a 66-year-old US birdwatcher who vanished in February 2023. Authorities reported that clothing items, including a lilac shirt and sandals, found near the bones correspond to what Ashcroft wore the day he disappeared. He was part of a group visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, but chose to return to the hotel alone and never arrived.
His wife alerted officials after he failed to return, prompting an extensive search. Despite efforts from local search teams and the use of sniffer dogs, no trace of Ashcroft was found at that time. A yellow notice was issued by Interpol weeks later, but to no avail.
Recently, residents from a nearby village located the remains and clothing 14 kilometers away from the site. The remains were buried in dense jungle vegetation that required foot access to reach. Guatemalan authorities are set to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identity of the remains.
This isn't the first time tourists have faced challenges in Guatemala's national park; past incidents include both tragic deaths and rescue missions. Ashcroft's case sends a cautionary message about the risks involved in exploring such remote areas.
Human remains discovered near the Tikal archaeological site in Guatemala are thought to be those of Raymond Vincent Ashcroft, a 66-year-old US birdwatcher who vanished in February 2023. Authorities reported that clothing items, including a lilac shirt and sandals, found near the bones correspond to what Ashcroft wore the day he disappeared. He was part of a group visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, but chose to return to the hotel alone and never arrived.
His wife alerted officials after he failed to return, prompting an extensive search. Despite efforts from local search teams and the use of sniffer dogs, no trace of Ashcroft was found at that time. A yellow notice was issued by Interpol weeks later, but to no avail.
Recently, residents from a nearby village located the remains and clothing 14 kilometers away from the site. The remains were buried in dense jungle vegetation that required foot access to reach. Guatemalan authorities are set to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identity of the remains.
This isn't the first time tourists have faced challenges in Guatemala's national park; past incidents include both tragic deaths and rescue missions. Ashcroft's case sends a cautionary message about the risks involved in exploring such remote areas.
