GASCONADE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating after human remains were  found inside a plastic barrel floating in a river in central Missouri, according to the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office

Members of the Highway Patrol and the Sheriff’s Office removed the plastic barrel that was lodged on the side of the boat ramp at the Gasconade River access in Gasconade.

Investigators determined the barrel and its contents to be suspicious and was subsequently taken to the Boone County Medical Examiner’s Office in Columbia.. On Monday, human remains were discovered inside the barrel. An investigation into the identity and cause of death remains ongoing.

Authorities have released no additional details.