Hiker Discovers Human Remains in Cherokee County; Authorities Say Victim Was Never Reported Missing

Kamron Peter Rondon remains found

The remains of a 35-year-old man, Kamron Peter Rondon, were discovered in a wooded area off Burrell Mountain last month. Authorities have now identified the remains following an extensive forensic investigation.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, the case began on January 23, 2025, when the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was contacted after a hiker found a human skull. Authorities searched the area on January 27, 2025, with assistance from the SBI. A second search, involving anthropology students from Western Carolina University, was carried out on February 4, 2025, leading to the discovery of additional human remains.

Forensic experts later confirmed that the remains belonged to Kamron Peter Rondon, who was not listed as a missing person. The sheriff’s office noted that Rondon had dreadlocks, but his cause of death remains undetermined. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking the public’s help in gathering more information.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be submitted by calling (828) 837-2589, sending an anonymous tip to (828) 837-1344, or emailing crime.tips@cherokeecounty-nc.gov.