Simulating Fluvial Transport Patterns of Human Remains in the Tennessee River

Law enforcement and search and recovery personnel often encounter difficulties when trying to determine where to find a decedent within an aquatic environment. Drowning, boating accidents, and other water related deaths are not uncommon. However, expensive equipment such as sonar and remote operated vehicles, or specially trained rescue divers are often required when searching for remains. Due to both public health and ethical concerns, there is a lack of controlled studies on aquatic decomposition and fluvial transport of human remains, which has contributed to the difficulty of predicting where remains in the water may be located. The purpose of this thesis is to gain a better understanding of the variables that influence fluvial transport patterns of human remains by using rescue manikins embedded with a sensor system that records small changes in acceleration, as well as GPS technology that allows for tracking the path of the manikin in the Tennessee River for 7-8 hours. A total of twenty-five trials were conducted, twenty of which simulated a floating body that was either clothed or unclothed, and five trials that simulated an unclothed, sunken body. Additionally, half of the floating trials were conducted with the manikin placed along the riverbank, and the other half conducted with the manikin placed in the center of the river, to determine how this influenced distance traveled and whether the manikin would stay on the same side it was placed on. Environmental variables for each trial such as rainfall, reservoir water level, and wind speed were also recorded for analysis. Results showed no significant difference between clothed and unclothed trials, but did find a statistically significant difference in distance traveled and average speed of travel between manikins placed in the center of the river versus along the riverbank, as well as between trials taking place in different segments of the river. This study demonstrates the need for more research on fluvial transport of human remains in different rivers throughout the United States, as well as a need for better technology that can be utilized in the water and allow for better simulation of human decomposition.

This is subsequent submission of thesis for review to make sure it fits TRACE requirements. The thesis has already been approved by my advisor and the forms submitted.