Mystery of human bones found in barrel by Nevada lake weeks after bizarre disappearance of woman who vanished twice

Hollister said the remains were “mostly bones”.

It’s not known how long the remains or the barrel have been by the lake.

The shocking discovery comes just weeks after Stewart disappeared.

Park Rangers in Lake Mead launched search efforts for Stewart days later on March 17.

In a , they said she had traveled to the area to take photos and never returned to her vehicle.

Officials said she didn’t have her phone or any ID on her at the time.

She was also reported missing on Valentine's Day.

A family friend found her trapped on a steep slope, where most people don’t usually walk, in a hiking area near the Caughlin Ranch neighborhood, reported.

Seth Williams, Battalion Chief for the Reno Fire Department, said at the time: “Actually kind of a miracle story.

“The son called up some friends to start searching for her and one of the boys just decided to head off this cliff thinking maybe she fell down there and found her clinging to a tree.”

'MIRACLE STORY'

Photos showed an elaborate rescue by first responders, who used ropes and a basket to reach her.

Her rescuers said she was initially unresponsive and hypothermic to the point where she wasn’t shivering. 

It’s unknown how she ended up in the location.

Stewart had been exposed to the weather for at least 12 hours, officials said.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009.

Tips can also be submitted online at go.nps.gov/SubmitATip.

The Sun has approached the NPD and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment.