November 30, 2017 – On November 26th, 2017, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a citizen who had been out running on the South Yuba Trail along the Yuba River, approximately four miles downstream of Washington, where he discovered human remains. Units responded and located the remains of a Caucasian male in an advanced state of decomposition. No identification was found nearby and visual identification was not possible.
On November 28th an autopsy was performed. The cause of death in this case could not be determined; however, no evidence of foul play has been identified.
On November 29th, deputies and search and rescue members, returned to the location where the remains were found. Based on findings during that search, as well as other circumstances surrounding the condition and location of the body, the Sheriff’s Office believes the remains may be those of Kurt Andrew Collins. Collins, who is known to live in several encampments along that portion of the Yuba River, is wanted in the August, 2016 shooting of a Search and Rescue volunteer. Since the shooting, multiple attempts to locate and apprehend Collins have been met without success.
DNA analysis is being used in this case to aid in determining the decedent’s identity; however, that process can take several months.
Additional information on this case will be released as it becomes available.