Suitcase with human remains found in New York’s East River

A suitcase containing human remains was recovered by police from New York’s East River on Wednesday evening, police said.

The suitcase was found near Governor’s Island, the New York Police Department said in a statement to NBC New York.

The department’s Harbor Unit retrieved the suitcase around 5:30 p.m. and took it to Pier 16, where EMS pronounced the individual inside the suitcase deceased, according to police.

The person’s identity is pending. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death.

Police were unsure of the person’s age and gender but confirmed the remains were that of an adult.

The investigation is ongoing.