NORMAN, Okla. — The University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed Friday that human remains were discovered Thursday at the campus construction site of a new laboratory building.
In a Friday morning email, OU Marketing and Communications said construction crews uncovered the remains while working on the new Life Sciences Laboratories Building. Work at the site was immediately halted, and the university notified law enforcement and the state medical examiner’s office.
"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 phone call to OU Daily, a spokesperson with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the remains were determined to be non-forensic, meaning the deaths do not require a criminal investigation.
An anthropologist was dispatched to the scene to assist with the evaluation, and a state archaeologist is expected to assume jurisdiction over the site as the process moves forward. Under Oklahoma law, when human remains are discovered and not suspected to be connected to a crime, the state archaeologist and the state historic preservation officer must be notified and determine the next steps.
Around 8:45 a.m. Friday, reporters observed a vehicle bearing the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s logo parked near the southwest corner of the construction area. A section of the site was cordoned off with a white tent while crews worked nearby.
Construction workers were seen drilling near, but not directly within, the blocked-off area. Shortly before 9 a.m., university officials including Brian Holderread, vice president of campus operations, and Hollye Hunt, vice president of executive affairs and chief of staff, were escorted onto the site to examine the scene.
The discovery comes as OU moves forward with a planned 105,000-square-foot Life Sciences Laboratories Building. The facility is designed to include 25 teaching laboratories, a 250-seat auditorium and expanded classroom and research spaces. The project is backed by an $80 million investment from the Oklahoma State Legislature along with private funding.
The new building is rising on the former site of Sutton Hall, which was demolished in January 2025. Sutton Hall previously housed OU’s biology department, including offices, teaching labs and research facilities. Given the campus’s long history — dating back to the late 19th century — officials say it is not uncommon for construction projects to uncover historical artifacts or remains.
According to Oklahoma Statute §21-1168.4, any activity that could disturb discovered human remains must immediately cease. Authorities then assess whether the remains are forensic or historical in nature. If deemed non-criminal, the matter transitions to archaeological oversight.
University officials have indicated they will continue cooperating fully with state authorities while ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. It remains unclear whether the discovery will significantly delay construction, though work in the immediate area of the find has been paused.
OU Daily reached out to the OU Police Department for additional comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Originally reported by OU Daily.
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