Remains Found In Churchill Park ID’d

The skeletal remains found in a Churchill Park last week were of a Wilkinsburg man, authorities said Wednesday.

The Allegheny County medical examiner identified the remains as Daniel Vantassel, 51. His death was ruled a suicide.

The medical examiner said a chain was found at the scene and it appears Vantassel hung himself.

The identification was made from evidence found at the scene and additional evidence developed by county detectives.

A hunter scavenging for deer antlers found the remains in a steep, wooded area of Bullock-Pens Park, behind the Churchill Country Club March 17 along McCrady Road.

Authorities said the remains could likely have been at the park for more than a year.

Churchill police said the area is heavily populated with deer and people often comb it looking for antlers that deer have shed.

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