Construction workers at the University of Oklahoma discovered century-old human remains on Thursday, February 19, halting the development of the university’s new Life Sciences Laboratories Building. The university announced the discovery in a statement, emphasizing that work stopped immediately and authorities were notified.
The remains were found in the area that was once home to the School of Biological Sciences. Preliminary evaluations suggest the remains date back to the early 1900s and were likely cadavers used for educational purposes. The university has assured that all required procedures and state burial protection laws are being followed to handle the remains with care, dignity, and respect.
The Oklahoma Archaeological Survey (OAS), operating out of the university’s campus, indicated that the remains were handled according to the standard practices of the time. The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner waived jurisdiction on the case, as the remains are non-forensic, meaning no criminal investigation is necessary.
Construction has since resumed after the initial evaluation. The discovery comes nearly a year after a similar find in England, where construction workers at the University of Gloucestershire uncovered 317 skeletons and 83 brick burial vaults.
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