LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Officials have identified some of the remains from more than 300 piles of cremated remains in the desert outside Las Vegas.
8 News Now Investigators first reported finding more than 100 piles of cremated remains in August. The person who discovered the ashes later contacted 8 News Now and said he stumbled across the pile of ashes on July 28 in a desert area outside Searchlight. Searchlight is a rural community located about an hour south of Highway 95 in the Las Vegas Valley.
In October 2025, representatives from Palm Tree Mortuary and Cemetery removed approximately 315 cairns from the desert. (KLAS)
In August, a Bureau of Land Management official confirmed the piles were human ashes and the department was actively investigating. The term “ashes” provided by officials refers to the cremated remains of humans. What is commonly referred to as “ashes” are the broken bones left after a person is cremated.
In late October, representatives from Palm Mortuary and Cemetery removed approximately 315 piles from the desert. In the original report from 8 News Now investigators, a second area containing more trash was discovered near the dump.
As of Wednesday, officials had identified three of the 315 trash piles, officials said. More confirmations of identity are unlikely. Officials declined further comment, citing an open investigation.
There is no law in Nevada prohibiting people from scattering ashes on public land. State law requires funeral operators to maintain the “dignity” of any remains in their care. BLM policy allows individuals to scatter cremated remains; however, the policy limits the “commercial distribution of cremated remains.” Mass dumps like this violate federal law.
Pam is placing the body into the grave.
Multiple sources told 8 News Now investigators that the remains came from a recently closed funeral home and had remained unclaimed for years. Representatives for the company, which is based out of state, have repeatedly denied any involvement.
You can submit tips to BLM at blm_law_enforcement@blm.gov.
You can contact 8 News Now Investigator David Charns at dcharns@8newsnow.com.
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