Contractors discover skeletal remains at work site; authorities investigating

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Sarasota authorities said an investigation is underway after contractors discovered what are believed to be human remains at a work site.

According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, workers found the skeletal remains around 8:45 a.m. Friday and called 911.

Deputies responded and coordinated with the medical examiner, who confirmed the remains were human, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators remained at the scene and searched for additional evidence.

Lt. Mariah Piper said the agency would continue working with the medical examiner, along with an anthropologist from Florida Gulf Coast University.

A K-9 search and rescue team and an emergency response crew were also part of the investigation.

“They’ll be helping us clear some of the debris and hopefully locate some more of the evidence,” Piper said.

Piper said investigators are determined to fully understand what happened, noting there may be people waiting for answers and closure.