An investigation is underway to rule out homicide after human remains were found near Cooper Avenue and J Street in Crescent City on Wednesday.

Crescent City Police Chief Richard Griffin said the body of a male subject was found about 200 feet into the brush toward the cemetery. The subject had been wearing a hospital bracelet, Griffin said. Officers are working with the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office Coroner to identify the individual, Griffin told Redwood Voice Community News.

There was also evidence that animals had disturbed the body, Griffin said.

While the cause of death is currently unknown, authorities are investigating the possibility that the subject may have experienced a “medical event,” according to the chief. Foul play isn’t suspected, Griffin said, but the investigation is still ongoing.

“We think it is a person we’ve dealt with before — a known subject we’ve dealt with on illegal camping issues, and that’s based on the identity [from] the hospital band as well,” Griffin said. “We are working with the sheriff and coroner to ID the person and see if there’s any foul play, but it’s not suspected at this time.”

The call came in at about 9 p.m., Griffin said.