TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Amelia Earhart's disappearance remains one of America's most mysterious, but a researcher at the University of South Florida is hoping to connect the dots and finally solve it.
Earhart was flying over the Pacific Ocean when her plane went down on July 2, 1937. She and her navigator Fred Noonan were never seen again.
Solving the mystery has been unsuccessful thus far, but a study published in academic journal Forensic Anthropology claims bones found on Nikumaroro Island in 1940 are Earhart's.
USF forensic anthropologist Erin Kimmerle has been asked to test the bone fragments herself. Kimmerle is a world-renowed forensic anthropologist, according to a release from the university. She'll be a part of an upcoming National Geographic documentary that will focus on Earhart's disappearance.
Although scientists have long known about the fragments, early research indicated they were male — eliminating the possibility they could have been Earhart's remains. The Forensic Anthropology study aims to prove early research was inaccurate by using more advanced methods that did not exist when the bone fragments were assessed as male in 1940.
Kimmerle reconstructed a skull — one she believes to be female — with the fragments. The bone fragments were also sent for DNA testing to see if they match any of Earhart's relatives.
"We needed the world's best expert on missing people," National Geographic archaeologist Fredrik Hiebert said. "It was just natural to reach out to Erin Kimmerle."
Kimmerle called it "an honor" to be a part of solving the mystery with National Geographic.
"Hopefully a new generation of young girls will continue to be inspired by her story," she said.
"Expedition Amelia" will air on National Geographic Oct. 20 as a two-hour special.
