Authorities: Skull discovered by a fisherman fishing in the Little Conemaugh River

An investigation into the death of a person is in progress following the discovery of a skull discovered on Thursday by a man fishing in the Little Conemaugh River in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, authorities said.

By Patrick Buchnowski

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A death investigation is underway after a human skull was found Thursday night by a man who was fishing the Little Conemaugh River in Conemaugh Township, Cambria County, authorities said Friday.

The skull was discovered just after eight p.m. in a remote part of the township in Cambria County, Coroner Jeff Lees said.

“A man fishing in the area noticed what he thought was a skull and called 911,” Lees stated.

Lees told reporters that he’s currently working with an anthropologist from the forensic field Dennis Dirkmaat, from Mercyhurst University in Erie and Michael Rice, a forensic dentist from Westmont in an attempt to determine the skull’s identity.

“This is an active investigation,” Lees stated.

Fire and police departments from the local area were present at the scene Cambria County District Attorney Gregory Neugebauer stated.

At two p.m. Friday there was no cause or manner of death was determined, Lees said.

If you have information, please be urged to contact for assistance at Cambria County non-emergency number, 814-472-2100.

Patrick Buchnowski is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. The reporter can be contacted by dialing 532-5061. Follow him on Twitter @PatBuchnowskiTD.