According to trooper dispatch, a hiker in Indian, found a skull while hiking in a wooded area off of Boretide Road on Sunday.

The Alaska State Troopers responded to the scene of the discovery after the hiker called in at 10:54 am. Their initial investigation at the scene would also turn up clothing that they have determined belonged to the remains.

The Alaska Bureau of Investigation and an Investigator from the State Medical Examiner’s office in Anchorage were contacted and they responded to the discovery site and conducted their investigation.

As a result of the ABI investigation, authorities believe the remains to be that of Nichole M. Millsaps. Millsaps was reported missing by her family in May of 2010. The family reported to police that they had not heard from Millsaps in six months and had heard a rumor that she was deceased at that time. Millsap was 25 at the time of her disappearance.

The State Medical Examiner’s office took possession of the remains and a currently working to make a positive identification.

Millsap’s family was made aware of the discovery.

The investigation into the cause and circumstances of her death is continuing.

UPDATE

On February 18th, the SME notified the Alaska State Troopers that the remains were in fact those of Nichole Millsaps and her family was notified of their official findings.