After six years, the identity of a man found deceased in a makeshift shelter inside a sleeping bag on top of a cliff off I-24 East and the Murfreesboro Road exit is known.
The skeletal remains of Steven Allen Yantz, 65, of Vermont, were found on January 25, 2018. No one else appeared to be living at the location. Yantz had mental health issues and was known to travel. His family lost contact with him several years before his remains were found.
Based on the investigation at the scene and an examination by a forensic anthropologist, no foul play is suspected in his death. In January 2023, a bone sample was sent to Othram Lab to start Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). The genealogy research led to Yantz’ identification.
The Davidson County Medical Examiner and MTSU Anthropology Department also assisted in this investigation.