UC Davis Health Responds

PUBLIC NOTICE: Discovery of Unmarked Human Remains at UC Davis Sacramento Campus

UC Davis Health hereby provides public notice of the discovery of previously unidentified buried human remains on University-owned property at the UC Davis Sacramento Campus, located along Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento.

The remains were discovered in February 2026 during excavation associated with construction activities along X Street. Historical and archaeological investigations show the area overlaps with the former Sacramento County Hospital cemetery.

Prior construction near this site resulted in the discovery and subsequent reinterment of the remains of 72 deceased persons, also believed to be burials associated with the former hospital cemetery, which was in operation from the 1880’s to the 1920’s. The prior remains were reinterred in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sacramento with approval from the Sacramento County Superior Court.

Seventy-seven previously unknown burials were discovered during construction this year and are being stored at a secure facility.

The recovered remains vary in condition, with some consisting of relatively complete skeletal remains and others consisting of bone fragments. To date, there is no evidence that the recovered remains are Native American in origin. No gravestones, grave markers, or other materials identifying specific individuals have been recovered.

The discovery of older human remains is relatively common in historic regions like Sacramento. UC Davis Health is coordinating with appropriate public agencies and the Sacramento County Cemetery Advisory Commission to process the discovery, handling, and reinternment through the standard legal and archeological protocols.

Members of the public who have questions or information are encouraged to contact UC Davis Health Government and Community Relations at community.relations@health.ucdavis.edu or 916-734-5441 by close of business on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.