Gainesville police Sgt. Johnny Ray said the remains were found at about 9:20 a.m. near the intersection of Pine and Summit streets, close to a cell phone tower at 504 Summit St.

The remains were above ground and did not appear to be buried or concealed in any way, Ray said. The location is a short distance from the Pine Street Mission.

There was some clothing and a wallet containing identification found with the remains, Ray said.

Police were working Thursday to try to locate people who might know the person identified in the wallet, but were waiting on a medical examiner at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s crime lab in Decatur to make a positive identification before releasing further information on the person, including whether it was a man or woman.

"We’ve got a few leads we’re looking into," Ray said.

Police saw no obvious signs of trauma. It was not known if foul play was involved or if the person died from natural causes.

Ray said detectives will be looking through missing persons reports as part of the investigation.