Fayette County, Indiana (WXIN) – Human remains discovered along a riverbank in Fayette County, Indiana, were determined to be more than 4,200 years old, the local coroner announced Monday.
The remains, which included part of a human skull, were reportedly found on June 2 on the bank of the Whitewater River. The discovery was then transferred to the Fayette County Police Department, where detectives began an investigation.
After rounds of preliminary study and analysis, including radiocarbon dating, the partial skull was confirmed to be approximately 4,270 years old and dated to approximately 2,300 BC.
Fayette County Coroner Eddie Richardson said the discovery “adds a deep historical layer” to the Indiana community as Hoosiers celebrate Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day. His office described the event as a “moment of respect and heritage” in a social media post.
“Today, as we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the history, cultures and presence of the Native American people,” the statement read. “This remarkable discovery is a powerful and humbling reminder that people have walked this land, our home in Fayette County, for thousands of years. It calls on all of us to treat this matter with the utmost respect and diligence.”
Analysis specialists, including Christa Latham, Ph.D., D-ABFA, from the Center for Human Identification at the University of Indianapolis and staff at the University of Georgia, contributed to the testing.
“This discovery underscores the importance of our community’s vigilance and the need for professional cooperation,” Richardson said. “I want to commend the landowner for acting responsibly by promptly reporting the finding.”
Richardson said that “because of the age of the remains,” his office is cooperating closely with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The coroner said he is currently awaiting guidance from the DNR regarding next steps to ensure discovery and handling of the land in accordance with cultural and legal standards.