Press Release

Fayette County Coroner Eddie Richardson today announced a significant finding in a case involving human remains discovered earlier this year, a finding that adds a profound historical layer to our community on this Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Preliminary analysis, including Radiocarbon Dating, has confirmed that a portion of a human skull discovered on the bank of the Whitewater River is approximately 4,270 years old, dating back to around 2300 B.C.

The remains were found on June 2, 2025, and promptly reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

Thanks to the specialized work of Dr. Krista Latham, PhD, D-ABFA, with the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center, and the rigorous testing by the University of Georgia, we were able to accurately determine the antiquity of this discovery.

A Moment for Respect and Heritage

Coroner Richardson noted, “This discovery underscores the importance of our community’s vigilance and the necessity of professional collaboration. I want to commend the landowner for their responsible action in immediately reporting the finding.”

Today, as we observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we honor the history, cultures, and enduring presence of Native American people. This remarkable discovery is a powerful and humbling reminder that people have walked this land, our home in Fayette County, for millennia. It calls upon all of us to handle this matter with the utmost respect and diligence.

Due to the antiquity of the remains, the Coroner’s Office is working closely with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We are awaiting guidance from the Indiana DNR regarding the next steps for repatriation and site management, ensuring that this ancestral discovery is handled according to cultural and legal standards.

IndigenousPeoplesDay #FayetteCountyIN #Coroner #History #AncestralHomeland #Indiana