The visitor became stranded and attempted to walk to seek help.
Hayden Panettiere died on Sunday. She was 36.
Authorities said there is no indication "at this time" that the remains, which appear to have been at the location for an extended period of time, are connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
The North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office is in charge of the case and will conduct a full investigation, Raleigh police say.
Whisenant's death was listed an accident.
Police in Jackson told ABC News this is "an active death investigation."