Expert: Ralph Salier - 2/23/2004

Question
Hello,

If a dead body were dumped in a cave in the Missouri Ozarks in 1959, what kind of condition would it be in when found in 2003? Would it be just bones? And what about clothing?

I realize this question may be outside your area, but will appreciate any help you can help me. I need this information for a story I'm writing.

Thanks.
Faye


Answer
Hi Faye

The condition would be highly dependant on what the conditions were in that cave.  If it is a dry cave and the remains were left undisturbed by animals then it could well still have some remaining clothing and the bones would (should) be intact and if it is dry enough some mummification could have preserved the skin and internal materials like muscle and parts of the intestines.  If it is a wet cave, then the clothing would in all likelihood have rotted away along with the flesh leaving only bone in a good state of presevation.  There may be some instances in very wet conditions where there is no current or water flow where the clothing may have been preserved along with the bone but this would require very special conditions.   This all assumes that these are lime stone caverns and that no animals disturbed t he remains.  Under normal circumstances, animals may have done a lot of damage even carried the bones away.  If the remains were buried or covered in a rock fall then perhaps the animals would not have been able to get to the body.

If you give me a bit more information, I may beable to provide additional assistance.