Update: Human remains found in ashes of former East Ridge restaurant

Thursday, December 26, 2013

photo A police car sits Wednesday in front of what remains of the former Hungry Fisherman restaurant and Tripp's Seafood in East Ridge, which burned early Christmas morning. According to a news release, crews were dispatched to 6715 Ringgold Road, behind the East Ridge Flea Market, about 3:30 a.m. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

Human remains were found in the ashes of the former East Ridge restaurant that burned early Christmas morning, authorities said.

The fire at the 6715 Ringgold Road, which once housed the Hungry Fisherman and Tripp's Seafood, was reported at 3:20 a.m. Wednesay, according to the East Ridge public safety office.

The building was long vacant, but investigators sifting through the debris found unidentified human remains, Cpl. Robert Wade said in a news release.

Agencies represented at the on-scene investigation include Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office, Tennessee Bomb & Arson Investigators, East Ridge Fire Department and East Ridge Police Department.

The investigation is ongoing and Wade said no further information was available.