Storm-Related Postmortem Damage to Skeletal Remains.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Taphonomy
• Environmental Archaeology

Background:

• The Anthropology Research Facility (ARF) in Knoxville, Tennessee, houses outdoor human skeletal remains for research.
• Understanding postmortem damage is crucial for accurate forensic interpretation.

Observation:

• In April 2011, severe storms impacted approximately 125 human skeletons at the ARF.
• Around 30% of the exposed skeletons exhibited postmortem damage attributable to storm events.
• Specific damage patterns, including oval, small defects, strongly suggested hailstone impact.

Findings:

• At least 20 skeletons showed damage consistent with hailstone impacts.
• Other irregular and larger defects may be attributed to falling debris like tree branches.
• Damage occurred across multiple skeletal elements, with the scapula and ilium most frequently affected, but robust bones like femora and tibiae also showed damage.

Implications:

• Forensic anthropologists should consider hailstone damage when analyzing skeletal remains from outdoor environments.
• This study highlights the impact of environmental factors on skeletal preservation and interpretation.
• Recognizing storm-related taphonomic alterations is vital for accurate forensic casework.