The 5,300-year-old mummy was found in the Alps back in 1991

Oct 15, 2013 19:36 GMT  ·  By

Forensic scientist Walther Parson and his fellow researchers at the Innsbruck Medical University now say that, according to their investigations, Ötzi the Iceman has living relatives in Austria.

More precisely, the scientists say that 19 men in said country have a very precise genetic mutation that they share with the 5,300-year-old mummy.

The researchers reached with conclusion after studying the makeup of blood samples collected from nearly 3,700 blood donors in the state of Tyrol, RedOrbit reports.

“The discovery was made during a broader study into determining the origins of the people who now inhabit the Alpine regions. Along with their blood the donors were asked to provide their place of birth and family history,” researcher Matthew Day reportedly told the press.

For the time being, none of these men have been informed that they are related to Ötzi.

This human mummy was discovered in the Alps back in 1991. Investigations have revealed that he suffered from Lyme disease, had really bad teeth and possibly died after suffering a blow to the head.