Female remains found at old water treatment plant in Tennessee.

Sparta Tennessee Police Chief Nick Dunn held a press conference informing the public that officers found a deceased person on the lower level of the former Sparta water plant while doing extra patrols with the landowners permission at the building on North Main Street.

Female remains were found where officers immediately secured the scene and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the district attorney’s office were notified.

Investigators then spoke with the person’s husband. Based on what he told them, police believe the remains belong to Nikkie Robert Simmons.

Nikkie Roberts Simmons has been missing since October 6th and her disappearance was cause for concern as she had recently had surgery where she required assistance from a walker.

Simmons was last seen at a residence on Swindell Street in Sparta where she reportedly left on foot, despite needing a walker, which was left behind along with her cell phone and other belongings.

Police Cheif Dunn reports that a positive identification has not been confirmed yet, but that the body is being taken to the Middle Tennessee Regional Forensic Center for an autopsy and confirmation.

Police say they are not releasing more details about the circumstances of the death until more information is established. “We ask the public to refrain from speculation and respect the privacy of the family during this difficult time,” Dunn said.