Investigators thawing remains found in DuPage County forest preserve

Investigators are working to determine the identity of skeletal human remains found beneath snow and ice in a DuPage County forest preserve.

Downers Grove police were at Lyman Woods, near 36th Street and Sterling Road, on Friday slowly thawing out the remains under a tent with heaters and warming blankets, Deputy Police Chief James Black said.

The remains were taken in the afternoon to the DuPage County coroner's office, where officials were expected to begin conducting a forensic examination.

Workers first discovered the remains Thursday afternoon while clearing brush at the forest preserve.

DuPage County coroner's officials said they haven't yet been able to determine the age, race or gender of the remains.

And it isn't clear whether the complete remains of the body were buried within the snow and ice, he said.

Black said police investigators are speculating that the body may have been a male, based on property recovered near scene.