Almost a quarter of a century after a human arm bone was discovered at a popular beachside holiday spot, its origin remains a mystery. The right humerus was found at Dolphin Sands on Tasmania’s picturesque east coast on June 9, 2000 and handed to police. Forensic and anthropological testing determined the bone belonged to a man aged 50 to 60 years and about 176cm tall. However, no other information was able to be discerned at the time to help determine the person’s identity.
In findings published on Wednesday, coroner Simon Cooper said he did not think any further investigations could be reasonably undertaken to identify the bone. “I extend my appreciation to the scientific, forensic and medical practitioners involved in the examinations of the humerus,” he said. “As more DNA profiles are added to database, it is my hope that one day the humerus will be identified.” Dolphin Sands is about two hours’ drive northeast of Hobart and home to about 100 people.