MORGANTOWN — The human remains found near the Deckers Creek Trail in October have been identified and the investigation has concluded.
The Morgantown Police Department identified the remains as Brandy Marie Cullum, 26, of Parkersburg, police announced Monday. The state medical examiner determined she died of natural causes from a pre-existing medical condition.
Cullum’s remains were found in an abandoned coke oven, near the Interstate 68 overpass, by two volunteers with Friends of Deckers Creek who were cleaning up a camp site along the trail Oct. 7. There was no identification on her body.
Coke ovens were used in the production of steel. Made of bricks or blocks, they were built both free-standing and into hillsides.
Cullum was reported missing Sept. 4.
Morgantown Communications Director Andrew Stacy said Cullum’s father was the one who reported her missing and her last known contact with a person was Sept. 1.
He said Cullum appeared to be using the oven for shelter, “but it is unknown how or why she ended up in that particular location.
It is not known when she died and the MPD is not releasing the preexisting medical condition that caused her death, Stacy said.
According to Cullum’s obituary, which was published by a Parkersburg newspaper in November, she is survived by her significant other, parents, grandparents, sisters, brother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
It also states she “is at peace and free of her demons.” It does not list a date of death.
