The skeletal remains discovered on Lookout Mountain in Walker County near Rock City on April 22 have been identified, according to Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.

Dr. Maria Teresa A. Tersigni-Tarrant, forensic anthropologist, has identified the remains as those of 29-year-old Allan Wilhelm Hansen of Columbus, Ohio. The identification was made utilizing dental and medical records. According to Dr. Tersigni-Tarrant, the manner of death is consistent with a fall from a height.

Hansen was reported missing on Sept. 6, 2008 to the Columbus, Ohio, Police Department. During the investigation, it was discovered that Hansen was suicidal and intended to jump from a large cliff off Lookout Mountain.

Law enforcement agencies in the area of Lookout Mountain were alerted to a BOLO (be on the lookout) of Hansen; however, no contact was made with him.

The family of Allan Hansen has donated his remains to the University of Tennessee Forensic Anthropology Center in Knoxville, Tenn. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Wilson expressed his appreciation to the following agencies for their assistance in the recovery and identification of the remains: Lookout Mountain (Ga.) Police Department, Lookout Mountain (Tenn.) Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, NPS, Walker County Emergency Services, Walker County coroner, Columbus (Ohio) Police Department, Chattanooga (Tenn.) Police Department, and the management of Rock City.

WALKER CO. MESSENGER