Discovery of Urn, Cremated Remains Prompts Search for Family

SEFFNER, FL — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is searching for information that might help deputies reunite “Debbie Sue’s” cremated remains with her family.

According to the agency, workers at the Hillsborough County Solid Waste Center, 6209 County Road 579 in Seffner, discovered an urn with cremated remains inside on Oct. 19. They notified the sheriff’s office about the find on Wednesday, prompting a search for family members.

“Detectives have been unsuccessful in locating any family members of the individual whose name is etched on the urn,” an email from the sheriff’s office said. Before the urn is permanently disposed of, detectives want to make certain the remains weren’t thrown out by mistake.

The urn does have identifying information etched onto its front, including the name “Debbie Sue.” The sheriff’s office is withholding some details, including Debbie Sue’s last name and her year of birth, to help a family member make a positive identification should one step forward to claim the remains. Debbie Sue, however, was born on Nov. 12 and died in the month of March. Her age has not been released.

Anyone with knowledge about the urn who can verify the information concealed in the photo is asked to contact Cpl. Shawn Helmer at 813-247-0455.

Photo courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office