Portion of 4,000-year-old human skull found along riverbank in Indiana

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A portion of a human skull found along the Whitewater River in Connersville, Indiana, has been confirmed to be more than 4,000 years old.

According to a press release from the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, radiocarbon testing determined the remains are about 4,270 years old, dating back to roughly 2300 B.C.

The discovery came after months of testing that began in June, when a local landowner found the skull fragment on a riverbank.

The remains were first examined by Dr. Krista Latham, director of the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center, who confirmed the skull was human.

A sample was later sent to the University of Georgia’s Center for Applied Isotope Studies, where scientists verified the bone’s prehistoric age.

"This discovery underscores the importance of community vigilance and professional collaboration," coroner Eddie Richardson said in the release.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has been notified and will advise on next steps for repatriation and site management.

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