Human Remains Found Near South Yuba Bridge in March Identified

NEVADA CITY — Nevada County authorities have identified skeletal human remains found earlier this year off a hiking trail in Nevada City. The California Department of Justice notified the Nevada County Coroner’s Office on December 8, 2025, that the remains belonged to 55-year-old Aaran Sloan Taylor.

Taylor was known to frequent the Miner’s Trail area near the South Yuba River. Officials have stated that the death is not believed to be suspicious, though the official cause awaits a final autopsy report.

The remains were discovered on the afternoon of March 25, 2025, by three hikers who had ventured off the main path. The group had cut through brush and rugged terrain when they located a human skull. They then hiked back to the South Yuba River Bridge on Highway 49 and contacted authorities.

Nevada County Sheriff’s deputies, along with search and rescue teams, California State Parks personnel, and anthropologists from Chico State University, recovered the skull and additional remains.

The coroner’s office has been unable to locate any next of kin for Taylor. Officials are asking the public for assistance in identifying relatives.

Anyone with information that could help contact next of kin is urged to reach the Nevada County Sheriff Coroner’s Office at coroner@nevadacountyca.gov or (530) 265-1321.