(WNY News Now) – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suspicious situation after human remains were discovered Thursday morning along the shoreline in the Town of Ripley.

Deputies responded around 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, to the area of Brockway Road and Barden Road following a report of a body found on a beach behind a nearby residence.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the body had washed ashore and became lodged along the shoreline.

Investigators described the deceased as a light-skinned male, approximately 5 feet, 8 inches tall, with a beard, short hair and a receding hairline. Authorities said there were no visible tattoos, scars or other obvious identifying marks.

The investigation remains ongoing. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office.