Lab Building Construction Halted After Human Remains Discovered

Construction site of new OU laboratory building on Feb. 20. Image: Courtesy of Annie Davenport/OU Daily

The University of Oklahoma (OU) and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office confirmed on February 20 that human remains were found on the university's campus on February 19 at the construction site of a new laboratory building.

In a February 20 email, OU Marketing and Communications confirmed construction crews discovered human remains at the site of the new Life Sciences Laboratories Building. Work was immediately stopped and OU informed law enforcement and the state medical examiner's office, according to the email. 

"Based on preliminary evaluation, there are no findings to suggest criminal activity. Early indications suggest the remains date to the early 1900s," the email reads. "This remains an early-stage evaluation, and we will continue to follow all legal and regulatory requirements."

In a statement to Lab Design News, the University of Oklahoma said, “[On February 20], construction crews discovered human remains at the future site of OU’s Life Sciences Laboratories Building. Work was stopped immediately, and the university notified law enforcement and the State Medical Examiner’s Office. All required procedures and state burial protection laws are being followed.

Based on preliminary evaluation, there are no findings to suggest criminal activity. Early indications suggest the remains date to the early 1900s.

This remains an early-stage evaluation, and we will continue to follow all legal and regulatory requirements.

The university is committed to ensuring the remains are handled with care, dignity, and respect.”

In a phone call to OU Daily, the student news organization at the University of Oklahoma, a spokesperson with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said non-forensic remains were discovered, meaning the deaths do not require a criminal investigation.

The spokesperson said an anthropologist is on site to assist and a state archeologist will likely assume jurisdiction. 

The planned 105,000 square foot facility, which will house 25 teaching labs, a 250-seat auditorium, and new classroom and research spaces, is supported by an $80 million investment from the Oklahoma State Legislature and private funding.

For the full story, visit the OU Daily website.