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Possible burial ground, human remains found at U of U construction site

Posted at 10:58 AM, Apr 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-20 18:53:40-04

SALT LAKE CITY - Construction crews have found what could be a burial ground with human remains at the University of Utah.

The crews were working on the old Natural History Museum, which is undergoing millions of dollars in renovations to be reincarnated as the Crocker Science Center, when they made the discovery.

"Found what looked like human remains," said Maria O'Mara, a University of Utah Spokesperson.

Authorities confirmed it is not a crime scene, and they are now investigating to determine if the bones are human and how long they have been there.

Forensic anthropologists are surveying the scene and have not said when they might have answers. O'Mara said the results of that analysis will shed more light on the situation.

Work came to a halt on the $55 million project Wednesday due to the discovery.

"Nothing is more important, however, than protecting and preserving what has been found here today," O'Mara said.