OU and the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Friday that human remains were found on the university's campus Thursday at the construction site of a new laboratory building.
Medical examiner confirms non-forensic human remains found at OU construction site
In a Friday morning 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 phone call to OU Daily, 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.
Construction site of new OU laboratory building on Feb. 20, 2026.
The spokesperson said an anthropologist is on site to assist and a state archeologist will likely assume jurisdiction.
Around 8:45 a.m. on Friday, the Daily observed a truck with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner logo in the southwest corner of construction space for the new life sciences building. Construction workers were observed drilling around an area that was blocked off by a white tent.
Truck of the Medical Examiner at the construction of new OU laboratory building on Feb. 20, 2026.
Around 9 a.m., Daily reporters observed construction workers bring Brian Holderread, vice president of campus operations, and Hollye Hunt, vice president of executive affairs and chief of staff, onto the site to examine the scene.
Construction workers began drilling slightly off to the south side of the tent, but paused to bring Hunt onto the scene. Workers continued drilling shortly after.
According to Oklahoma Statute §21-1168.4, after the discovery of human remains, any activity in the area that could cause further disturbance should immediately cease.
According to the statute, if remains reported are not associated with or suspected of association with any crime, the state archaeologist and the state historic preservation officer will be notified within 15 days. They will then determine what next steps to take.
Sutton Hall, which was demolished January 2025, previously held OU’s department of biology, including offices and teaching and research laboratories.
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.
OU Daily reached out to OU Police Department but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
Mary Ann Livingood, Tori Pham and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
