SALT LAKE CITY — Any doubt that remains found in the Utah wilderness were those of Everett Ruess, a legendary wanderer of the 1930s, seemed to be erased by a battery of forensic and genetic tests a few months ago.
But Utah’s state archaeologist, who was not involved in the discovery, is raising a series of questions about whether the remains are actually those of the poet and artist whose disappearance in the Escalante canyons inspired innumerable tales of wonder.
Kevin Jones said Ruess’ surviving dental records don’t match the condition or characteristics of the teeth on a lower jaw bone that was found among the remains. The worn teeth suggest a strictly American Indian diet. Jones also said the shovel- shaped lower front teeth are characteristic of an American Indian’s.
Ruess’ nephew Brian Ruess, a 44-year-old software salesman in Portland, Ore., said Thursday that his family was reopening a scientific examination because of Jones’ questions. The family enlisted a dental expert to look at the evidence.
Yet Brian Ruess said he is confident in the initial identification, and the scientists said they stand by their work.
