HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) -

The Dakota County sheriff's office is investigating after human remains were discovered near the Vermillion River in Hastings.

Chief Sheriff's Deputy Tim Leslie says a passerby found the remains along the banks of the river shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday.  Clothing also was found nearby.

Leslie tells the Star Tribune  the remains have "been there awhile." Authorities don't know if the remains are male or female.

The sheriff's office is working with the Hennepin County medical examiner's office to recover the remains and identify the person.