UPDATE (4:19 p.m.) – The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office says a pathologist estimates that a human skull found just off Highway 1 in Morro Bay had been in the area anywhere from several months to a year.
Investigators say there is no indication of foul play. The skull was reportedly discovered a short distance away from the remnants of a transient camp, but sheriff’s officials say it’s unknown whether they are connected.
The sheriff’s office says the Search and Rescue Team will be searching the area for any additional remains.
The cause of death and identification of the remains are unknown at this time, according to sheriff’s officials.
Investigators will be working with a forensic anthropologist to further investigate.
(12:55 p.m.) – The southbound Highway 1 offramp at Morro Bay Boulevard was closed to traffic Thursday morning after a human skull was found in the area.
According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, a Caltrans crew working in the area made the discovery.
Caltrans says the crew was doing maintenance work, including tree trimming and landscaping, when they found the remains and alerted authorities.
“It’s not common but it has happened before in other areas,” Caltrans spokesman Colin Jones said about the discovery.
The skull is reportedly being examined by a pathologist. Sheriff’s officials say it could take some time for results to be released.
This is a developing story and will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
