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Mortuary Recovers 315 Piles of Cremated Remains in Nevada Desert as Investigation Deepens

Investigators say the mass desert dumping likely violates federal rules on commercial handling of ashes.

Overview

  • Palm Mortuaries and Cemeteries collected about 315 piles from BLM-managed land near Searchlight, placing each into an urn for interment in a cemetery crypt.
  • A second nearby area with additional piles was identified, expanding the scope beyond the initial discovery reported in August.
  • The BLM and Las Vegas police continue an open investigation with no suspects publicly named or businesses officially linked to the dumping.
  • Multiple sources suggest the ashes may trace to a recently closed funeral home, though a representative denies involvement and officials say the site is not tied to McDermott’s Funeral Home.
  • By recovery, the piles contained no identifying information, with earlier searches noting zip-tie fragments and broken urn pieces that complicate efforts to connect remains to families.