The human remains found at the site of the new Life Sciences Laboratories Building are likely cadavers from the early 1900s, OU Marketing and Communications confirmed to OU Daily Thursday.
Remains found at OU lab site likely cadavers
In an email to the Daily, OU Marketing and Communications wrote the remains were found at the site of the former School of Biological Sciences and the disposal of the cadavers followed standard practices of that time.
Last week, construction crews discovered human remains at the former site of Sutton Hall, now the site of the new Life Sciences Laboratories Building.
A spokesperson for the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told the Daily Friday the remains are non-forensic, meaning the deaths do not require a criminal investigation.
Construction has continued on the site under established safety and archaeological monitoring protocols, OU Marketing and Communications wrote.
“All remains are being handled with professional oversight in accordance with state law,” the email states.
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.
The statute states that if remains are ruled 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.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour, Audrey McClour and Madisson Cameron. Gretchen Schultz copy edited this story.
